The Importance of Property Inspections
In private renting, routine property inspections form an essential part of successful property management. For Landlords and letting agents alike, these inspections serve multiple functions—preserving the condition of the property, ensuring compliance with legislative obligations, and fostering good tenant relationships. Neglecting this key aspect of property management can result in costly repairs, legal complications, and unnecessary disputes.
Celebrating Property Managers
Everyday brings with it a whole range of issues that Property Managers need to navigate, from water leaks to boiler breakdowns that result in no heating and no hot water. The seasons bring with them a raft of “damage” , which include but are not limited to blown down fences, missing roof tiles, excessive cold and other weather related matters.
Whilst the valuers and negotiators land new business, in the background property managers oversee the problem solving, the customer care & customer service elements and the client relationship management - 24/7, 365 days a year.
Spring & Gardens
We appreciate that not every rental property has a garden or outside space, however, landlords believe that outside space and gardens, in particular, are an extension of the internal part of the property.In rental properties, the upkeep of the garden is typically the tenant’s responsibility unless a gardener is included as part of the tenancy.
1. Condition at the Start of the Tenancy
The condition of the garden should be documented at the beginning of the tenancy. This process is usually conducted by the Landlord or letting agent, with agreement required from both parties. Disputes frequently arise due to differing recollections of the original state of the garden. At the end of the tenancy, the outdoor space should be returned in the same condition, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.
2. Responsibilities During the Tenancy
A standard tenancy agreement typically requires the tenant to mow the lawn, trim hedges, remove weeds, and dispose of garden waste. Bins should also be emptied regularly, and general tidiness must be maintained. Structural repairs, such as those to fencing, walls, and paths, remain the responsibility of the Landlord unless damage has been caused by the tenant. In such cases, deductions from the deposit may be made to cover the cost of repairs, provided this is permitted within the tenancy agreement.
A Guide to Protecting Rental Properties against Snow and Ice
With the onslaught of winter, action is required to keep properties/homes in good working order, especially in these times of the cost of living crisis. Differing extremities of weather can bring the need to adapt general maintenance and upkeep of the dwelling.
Preparation – Having an early ongoing contingency plan in place is far wiser than leaving the whole winter extreme weather to chance. Risks, hazards, and legal claims can be an easily avoided expensive outcome. Ensuring both Landlords and Tenants work together, putting winter protocol briefings in place before the bad weather hits is a surefire way of making it through the cold snap unscathed.
There is no room for complacency. It is prudent for all to take protective measures. Even the most experienced landlords need to be ahead of the game.
Keeping properties safe and functional can be achieved by taking on board some practical guidelines. From the outset, good, clear communication between landlord and tenant is a must. This will cancel out any future awkward, unnecessary and/or uncomfortable accidents, misunderstandings, or claims.