Tags Archives: issues

Are your tenants hiding something from you?

The list of possible tenancy agreement infractions are seemingly endless either knowingly or not. Most tenants are contravening their agreements with the landlords by hiding something
from them.

While it has to be said that the better part of these hidden infractions are harmless and probably not intentional, sometimes they even benefit the landlord.

No landlord is going to complain if a well-intentioned tenant paints a room or two in an acceptable colour. Of coarse it is not a problem as long as it is done properly.  Perhaps they make
improvements to the garden with a bit of landscaping. In all likelihood this will make the garden more attractive and easier to handle.

On the other hand, there are occasions when the tenant causes costly damage due to bodged DIY attempts. Or even invalidates the landlords insurance policy by sub-letting. There are times when the tenant could cause the landlord to contravene their mortgage contract, these issues are not small and need to be dealt with swiftly.

Here’s what tenants say they are keeping from landlords:

A recent Onepulse survey revealed that tenants hiding something from their landlords.

  • Nothing: 55 per cent
  • Extra tenants: 40 per cent
  • Unpaid bills: 37 per cent
  • Other: 28 per cent
  • Property damage: 20 per cent
  • Keeping pets: 19 per cent
  • Redecoration: 12 per cent

Sub-letting to extra tenants top of the admitted infractions, this is almost as bad as it gets. It is unlikely that there is an insurance policy in place to cover potential damage caused by the
sub-letters. Furthermore the landlords mortgage agreement is probably in breach of its terms.

Pets are another undisclosed issue for many landlords, it can’t be underestimated how potentially costly tenants pets can be. Physical damage all the way to cleaning costs when the tenant vacates the property are issues which need to be dealt with.

What can be done and how can we help?

Hearthstone Ltd is in a position to help. With regular and appropriate inspections of the property these problems can be found early and rectified easily before the issue escalates. Building a relationship with the tenant is more important than inspections, this is something we pride ourselves with at Hearthstone. This fosters an atmosphere in which the tenant feels able to ask for help or permission, therefore removing the trepidation of being denied each and every time. In conclusion, getting tenants to ask for those little things which do no harm, making your
property their home should be encouraged.