Halloween Special: The Howling Errors That Can Haunt a Tenancy

With Halloween just a few days away, let’s look at how landlords can avoid the most ghoulish rental scenarios.

Skeletons in the Closet

No matter how eager you are to find a tenant, don’t cut corners on reference checks.

If you waive credit, employment or rental history checks, you may discover the tenant you thought was cherubic has more in common with Chucky.

Even if a friend or family member recommends a candidate, keep things professional and conduct the usual reference checks (or have a letting agent do it for you).

Ghosting your Tenant

When a tenant reports an issue, respond promptly (ideally within 24 hours).

Ghosting them because you’re busy with other commitments will leave them feeling frustrated – and over time can lead to bad blood.

Even if the problem they’re reporting will take time to remedy, let them know that you’re working on a solution.

Ignoring a problem a tenant reports can also lead to legal issues with the Grim Reaper (whoops, sorry, your insurer).

The Devil’s in the Detail

With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May, there’s no margin for error at the start of a tenancy.

Take deposit protection, for example. Landlords must register a deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it. You also need to provide the tenant with signed details of the scheme (known as the ‘prescribed information’) within 30 days.

Get this wrong, and you could face a nightmarish scenario as deposit protection is linked to possession rights.

Creepy Critters

It takes teamwork to keep creepy critters and rampant rodents at bay in a rental.

Ensure there are no structural issues, such as holes in floorboards or walls or unsealed vents, where rats or mice could enter the property.

Also, encourage tenants to keep rubbish in sealed bins and to wipe crumbs and food waste off counters.

Other nasties to look out for include bird mites (oval-shaped bugs with a vampire-like habit of feeding on human or bird blood) and wasps, which munch on timber and walls.

Conduct regular inspections at your rental and encourage tenants to report any issues to you.

If you’d like help managing your rental property, get in touch. In the meantime, have a frightfully good Halloween.