Bricked up rooms, indoor chicken farms – you name it landlords have seen it. However, Belvoir, the UK’s leading lettings specialist which has over 145 offices nationally with local offices in Chesterfield and Sheffield, says landlords can avoid troublesome tenants if they follow a few golden rules. Landlords are faced with a range of tenant dilemmas every day because they have not been keeping a close enough eye on their properties.
“It is important that landlords do as much as possible to ensure that their properties are well looked after and there are numerous steps landlords can take to make sure this happens,” says Belvoir Director Rick Flay. And these steps are increasingly becoming a necessity as the number of lettings properties being used for illegal purposes such as home made cannabis farms is on the up. “However it is essential that tenants are not made to feel like they are being watched or wrongfully accused of a crime – but reminded that a closer relationship with their landlord or property management company can work well for both parties.” “No tenant wants to feel like they’re under the scrutiny of a ‘big brother’ type landlord and this does not need to be the case. If a tenant knows what to expect from the start then obstacles can be avoided,” added Rick Landlords don’t usually have right of immediate access to their properties and have to make appointments with their tenants for an inspection. Belvoir advises stipulating regular visits to the property in the tenancy agreement which can be carried out within 24 hours notice.
“Checking on the property is not just useful for the landlord,” explains Rick. “It will also give tenants the opportunity to voice any concerns and will allow for a good working relationship to develop.” Belvoir says there are a few rules which landlords should follow to ensure they get their ideal tenant:
– Complete full and proper reference checks with both employers and previous landlords before entering into a tenancy agreement to avoid taking on suspect tenants. Remember the landlord’s insurance may not provide cover if adequate checks were not made.
– Have a regular pattern of visits to a property. If a tenant refuses entry, conduct a series of drive-by visits to make sure there is no sign of any criminal activity.
– Give the telephone number of the property management company to neighbours. This way they can get in touch if they notice any unusual behaviour.
– Watch out for tell tale signs such as people coming in and out at unusual times of the day and night as well as deliveries of composting and gardening materials – these are items that have been discovered in cannabis farms.
– Take pictures of the property at the beginning and end of the tenancy agreement as this will show the status of each room when the contract commenced. It would also be helpful for the tenant to do this so that if they are accused of causing any damage they can prove that it was there at the beginning of the tenancy.
– If you need to communicate with tenants do so through formal letters instead of telephone conversations: this will leave a paper trail that can be traced if problems arise in the future.
– If the tenant puts deadlocks or alarms on internal doors, or has made attempts to install fortifications on the exterior of the property then be suspicious; they may be hiding something.
– If you are concerned about access to the property, then as a landlord you arem within your rights to arrange a free police home security check or a fire awareness/smoke detector visit.
– Remember there is a difference between friendly relations and being friends. If you have really good tenants you could reward them with a bottle of wine at Christmas. Providing them with a good professional service will give them an incentive to stay in the property.
“Obviously the vast majority of tenants are not criminals – but every so often one is. Unfortunately it is that small majority that is a worry to landlords.
