10 tips for avoiding tenancy disputes.
May 26, 2015
- Contract a fully regulated, independent Inventory Clerk.
The main causes of landlord / tenant disputes in rented accommodation are damage and cleaning, therefore without a thorough inventory in place (at check-in and check-out) landlords have much less chance of winning a dispute if they have no detailed evidence of the original condition of the property. - Ensure your Agreements are correct.
Double check dates and rental amounts.
Be able to provide up to date Gas Safety Certificates, along with EPC’s & PAT testing (where necessary) to prove that your property and its contents is safe. - Deposit Protection.
If you take deposits, register them with one of the three government-backed Tenancy Deposit Schemes;
– Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
– MyDeposits
– Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
- Tenants need to be made aware of their contractual obligations.
Ask them if there’s anything they don’t understand in the tenancy agreement. And don’t forget to make them aware of the utility bills and any other costs that they are liable for. - Make it clear what costs are involved e.g. administration fees, referencing, etc.
- Pre-tenancy.
Conduct thorough tenant referencing procedures, making sure that you obtain references from the tenants’ previous landlord(s). Speaking to someone first hand can tell you so much more than a simple credit report can, and can sometimes reveal whether the tenant has ever had a dispute in a previous tenancy, therefore helping you to gauge their character. - Maintenance.
Ensure that your property is in good repair and fit for rental.
Encourage tenants to report any problems with the property as soon as they occur, thus avoiding more costly problems in the future. - Inspections.
Regular inspections not only flag up maintenance issues but can also tell you whether there are unauthorised individuals living in the property, that are not listed on the tenancy agreement. Subletting is not usually allowed within residential tenancies, and unchecked tenants could also cause disputes with neighbouring properties e.g. noise. - Establish a good line of communication with your tenant and try to remain calm and professional at all times.
If things do start to escalate make sure that you record all interactions with the tenant (texts, emails, etc) and where possible have a witness present if you are dealing with them face-to-face. - Always give tenants the required notice before entering the property, as then there can be no dispute over unauthorised entry.
Landlords want a happy tenant who pays their rent consistently and looks after the property. So it is always best to do your utmost to avoid disputes, as they can be extremely stressful, tiresome and expensive.
This post was originally published by Yellow Oak Inventories on January 19 2015 http://bit.ly/1cfLhL5
You May Also Enjoy
Essential Garage Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Maximize your garage space with practical storage ideas that keep your items organized and accessible. If you’re dealing with a smaller garage, smart solutions can make a big difference in keeping your space neat and usable. 1. Wall-Mounted Storage Wall-mounted storage is an excellent way to save space and keep your garage organized, especially in…
Read More 
How to Protect Your Property from Flooding and Water Damage
Flooding and water leaks can cause significant damage to your home or office. However, many issues can be prevented by taking proactive measures to protect your property. In this article, we’ll explain how to minimize risks and prepare for potential water-related threats. 1. Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing System One of the most common causes…
Read More 
ONS House Price Index – November 2024
Headlines Average UK private rents increased by 8.7% in the 12 months to October 2024 (provisional estimate); this is up from 8.4% in the 12 months to September 2024. Average rents increased to £1,348 (8.8%) in England, £766 (7.9%) in Wales, and £976 (6.6%) in Scotland, in the 12 months to October 2024. In Northern…
Read More 
Foxtons Lettings Market Index October 2024
Headlines October saw the highest level of new stock entering the market, with an 8% increase from last year, the highest increase in four years October’s demand is marginally lower than last October and decreased 32% from September, as expected during this time of year Following a yearly high of £593 per week this September,…
Read More 
Breaking Property News 20/11/24
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Proptech powered lettings service for BTR developers needing pre-approved, quality tenants at speed gets funding A proptech-driven letting agent has secured close to £500,000 during its first equity investment raise. Property Sense, headquartered in Stockport but operating nationally, secured the half a million pounds in…
Read More 
Why November and December are the best and most affordable months to buy
Buyers and sellers looking for the right time to move can consider top reasons from property experts to start the process this November and December. The autumn and winter months may not be the first that come to mind when considering a move, but potential buyers and sellers can be reassured by the experts that…
Read More