The end of a tenancy can be a stressful time for everyone involved. As a landlord, you can make the transition from one tenancy to the next much smoother by being prepared.
First things first, as soon as you know when a tenancy is due to finish, make a note in your diary straightaway. By allowing enough time to get everything sorted, you remove a whole lot of stress at the end of the tenancy.
If a tenant is going to leave, here are a few practical tips to bear in mind when the time comes:
1. Arrange an inspection
Arrange a joint inspection of the property to agree on any damage that needs rectifying, or decoration that might need undertaking. As a landlord, it’s worth taking a checklist with you to tick things off. This will be made easier if an inventory was created at the start of the tenancy.
2. Let them know that it needs to be cleaned
Provide information about the cleaning required to return the property to an acceptable condition. It’s often worth reminding tenants of their responsibilities in this area.
3. Meter readings
Advise the tenant about taking final utility readings and liaising about issuing and paying final bills.
4. Handover
Make arrangements for the handover of any keys, and any outstanding documentation. If you've used a letting agent, then they will arrange this on your behalf.
The more attention that is paid to ending the tenancy in an orderly manner, the less likely it is that there’ll be any problems or misunderstandings. It’s usually a good idea to confirm anything that is agreed in writing. Follow up any problems as quickly as you can – and keep a record of these in writing as well.
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