By Rick Flay, director at Belvoir Sheffield
Over the last few weeks I have been baffled by the amount of landlords and tenants who have no idea how to end a tenancy agreement in the right way.
If a tenant moves in three cats and five dogs contrary to the initial agreement, or insists on playing Take That’s greatest hits until the early hours, many landlords assume that a simple eviction letter will do the job!
I have noticed a trend in recent months for homeowners becoming ‘reluctant landlords’ down to the fact that selling their property is just not feasible in the current climate, and I truly believe that this goes some way towards describing this lapse of knowledge. The motto of the story is- seek out advice from a professional lettings agent in Sheffield!
Here are my top tips for ending a tenancy agreement in the right way:
1. You cannot evict a tenant using a text message, email or quick call on the way to the pub! If you are serving notice on your tenant you must give them at least two months written notice.
There are two kinds of section 21 notices and you must use the correct one depending on whether the tenancy is within a contract or periodic. If the tenant wants to leave, they must give you one full months notice from when the next installment of rent is due.
2. Check that you registered the tenants deposit correctly at the start of the tenancy and check the amount that was given to you. This will ensure that you are fully prepared for the final inspection of the property.
3. As soon as you have given your tenant the news that you wish to end the agreement, arrange to meet your tenant at the property. Remember that people deal with people and it is much nicer to give your tenant time to make any necessary repairs before a dispute has the chance to arise over the initial deposit!
4. In a deposit dispute remember that your inventory is key to your success. If you failed to compile one, you may be about to learn a very hard lesson! I can promise you that if you are caught in the midst of a dispute, this will be one lesson that you will never forget! When putting an inventory in place, getting an approved inventory clerk to produce one will improve your chances of victory!
5. Make sure you write to your tenant before the move out date and give them instructions on cleaning and rubbish removal. In my experience, the word ‘clean’ can be very subjective! Make sure that your tenant knows what is expected.
6. On the move out day meet with your tenant and write down any problems with the property, and get the tenant to agree by signing the document.
