Tenants can enjoy a carefree summer at home or abroad by bearing in mind a few issues relating to their rental property.
This week’s lettings article looks at the issues that tenants need to be aware of in the summer months.
At last summer is here, so what are your plans? Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf?
Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented accommodation during the summer.
If there’s a garden at your rental property:
- Make sure you read your contract to know what you need to do for maintenance. Tenants usually have to do basic tasks like watering and mowing. In summer, you’ll most likely need to do both quite regularly.
- If you have kids, paddling pools and trampolines might seem like the best summer additions for your backyard. At the end of your rental period, make sure you return the garden to its original condition. So if the grass under a trampoline or paddling pool dies off (as it often does), you’ll need to rectify it.
- Keen gardeners should ask the landlord before doing big projects in the yard. Planting in pots may be preferable, so you can take any plants that you lovingly tend to with you when you move on.
- If you’re socialising outside, be mindful of the neighbours. Don’t play loud music into the early hours of the morning or let things get too lively.
Other issues:
- Burglars prowl about in the summer months looking for easy entry to properties. Be vigilant if you open windows or doors in hot weather.
- Make sure to lock up securely before leaving and be extra careful if you’re going on vacation. Check and check again to ensure everything is safe and secure. The last thing you want is to return from a brilliant holiday to find you’ve had intruders.
- If you’re going away for an extended period, let your landlord know. Some contracts specify that you notify your landlord if you’re going to be away for more than 14 days. Even if you’re not legally required to do so, it’s good to do it as a courtesy. It also means that your landlord can avoid bothering you with non-urgent queries when you’re on holiday.
