Advice For Landlords

The word Evict seems like such a dirty word, because whilst you're watching daytime TV that's how its portrayed.

But it isn't always the case....

According to research conducted by the Office of National Statistics The Consumer Prices Index including occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) increased by 7.8% in the 12 months to April 2022. In simpler terms, monthly CPIH went up by 2.1% in April 2022, in comparison to 0.7% in April 2021.

In an ideal world when renting out your property, everything would always go according to plan—your property would be matched up with the perfect tenant and you would face no problems throughout the duration of their tenancy.

The standards regarding maintenance or repairs will differ in the minds of both landlords and tenants. Usually, landlords will overstate the timescale due to the inconvenience, and tenants will understate them expecting trivial things to be rectified in a short timescale.

Whether it be needing access for a repair, routine maintenance, or having visitors over to inspect or view the property, tenants should allow access as long as you have made it convenient for them. 

Sometimes the line between the landlord, and tenants responsibilities can be skewed, have a read of this article to get some clarity on the subject.

Both landlords and tenants understanding their responsibilities will help negate future frustrations between the two parties.

You could have a few concerns if you are asked if your tenant can run a business from home. Such as, What are the legalities surrounding this? Is it permitted within your mortgage? Could there be any contributing factors to affect the property's value? All valid questions that I'll address in this article. 

House prices, along with asking rents for properties, have been on an increase year on year for the past 20-plus years.

So, re-evaluating the amount of rent you'd like your property to return is something you'll want to consider going forward.

This will be a trying time for you as a landlord, however handling it correctly will help mitigate further loss. As frustrating as it is, you cannot simply force the current tenants out, it is illegal and could put them at an advantage by winning a case to stay in the property indefinitely.

Having a tenant in rent arrears is a tricky situation, as well as being sympathetic to their situation you've got to have your own best interests in your mind to move forward and have your asset making you money again. 

It is, and always will be your responsibility as a landlord to keep your property in a fit state to be rented. That all water, heating, and electricals are easily accessible and safe to use.

Rent arrears brings on a chain of events that affects all parties of a rental property. From a tenant's perspective, they may feel an overwhelming sense of worry and frustration that they cannot cover some or all their due rent.

The person, or representative overseeing the aspects of a rental property is responsible to ensure the property is safe and secure for the tenants, and any issues get managed and dealt with in a prompt manner.

Many landlords are concerned that their tenant may leave too soon, which brings about the additional stress of having to replace good tenants and the uncertainty of what the new tenants will be like. Many tenants are concerned about being given notice by their landlord and facing the stress caused by the dreadful experience of having to re-establish themselves yet again in another home.