‘It’s better to be safe than sorry’, was the message from Belvoir Sheffield, leading letting agent in Sheffield today, as it warned landlords to keep a tenant journal, amidst fears that the number of landlords failing to keep adequate records is on the increase.
The lettings agency which has an office on Campo Lane in Sheffield has been shocked in recent months by the number of DIY/Private landlords failing to keep an up to date tenant journal and fear it could cost them thousands in the long run.
Rick Flay, Director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of property to rent in Sheffield, said: “It is so easy to scribble something down after a tenant conversation or check on the property and then think ‘I’ll file it later’ and then just forget. Keeping a journal is very good practice, and one that could save you so much money in lost rent, or in the event of a dispute. You should make sure that you keep a record of every telephone, email, letter or personal meeting that you have with the tenant.
“It is mainly the DIY landlord thatis as risk they do not have the advice and support of a professional lettings agent, which can leave them wide open to gaps in their records and in a vulnerable position if a dispute should arise. We would recommend that unlessthey are organised and focused, part time landlords are at risk and should usea professional agent such as Belvoir Sheffield. We have both the legal knowledge, training, resources and software systems to manage tenant interaction properly. For example we have a dedicated email address for all repair enquiries which means we have a record and avoids he said she saidscenarios.’’
If a dispute arises at any point during the tenancy agreement, chances are that the tenant will not have kept records of all contacts with you. If worst comes to the worst and the landlord has to go to court to evict a tenant, an organised approach will hold you in good stead with any judge because you can present the facts clearly.
Rick continued: “When landlords come to Belvoir Sheffield, we not only offer them a comprehensive credit referencing service of all tenants and the most up to date legal advice available from our free legal helpline , we also create a professionally written inventory for them, including digital photographs toensure that they are protected, should a dispute arise.
“That in addition to the fact that we are experts, means landlords should think carefully about managing their own properties. I often liken it to dentist, you can pull your own teeth out of you wish, but its’ probably not something most people even consider, yet they then try to cut corners on assets worth thousands of pounds’’
Belvoir Lettings Agency in Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances.
