5 common landlord and tenant disputes and how you can avoid them

Maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship is an important part of being a successful landlord. While differences of opinion between landlords and tenants are common, knowing what to expect and how to deal with any issues - and often avoid them altogether - can help to make your life as a landlord as stress-free as possible.

 

1. Keeping the property in a good, clean condition

Normally, in a Tenancy Agreement, there is a clause which stipulates that the tenants should keep the property in a good, clean condition. Problems often arise when tenants vacate the property and the property is not left clean and tidy.

 

Taking photos of the property when the tenant moves in, is advisable. You can send these photos to the tenants just before the end of their tenancy, so that they are reminded of the condition you expect the property to be left in when they leave. In addition, if you used a cleaner to clean the property before their tenancy started, you could provide details of the cleaner to the tenant, so that they can use this person/company when they vacate the property.

 

2. Rent not being paid on time 

Rent arrears can cause a serious headache for landlords.

Speak with your tenant at the beginning of their contract and encourage them to set up a payment to your account on, or just after, their payday. This way, they will have the funds in their account to pay the rent, so hopefully rent payments will not be missed.

 

3. Maintaining the property 

It is your responsibility as the landlord to ensure that the property is correctly maintained. Your rental properties should be in good condition and have both hot water and heating.

Knowing your responsibilities with regards to maintenance at the start of a Tenancy Agreement, can help to avoid problems further down the line.

 

4. Pets

 Clarify from the outset, in your Tenancy Agreement, whether your tenants are allowed to have pets.

 Make this clear from the start, so your tenants know where they stand. However, if you have a no-pets policy, be aware that if someone has a service animal, you may want compromise, as not allowing a service animal to live in your property could be unlawful discrimination.

 

5. Subletting  

With more and more people opting to earn some extra cash by renting out a room (or even an entire property) on Airbnb, it’s important to make it clear to your tenants if you are not happy with them subletting your property. Most Tenancy Agreements do contain a clause to this effect.

If your tenants breach this term of the contract, you are able to take legal action, if you wish.

Tenancy Agreements are legally binding contracts…

 

 

Having a Tenancy Agreement in place is a good way to ensure that each party knows their obligations from the outset. Here at LegalPath, we offer Tenancy Agreements for both furnished and unfurnished properties.