What’s your biggest fear about being a landlord? For many, it’s the prospect of getting locked in a lengthy dispute with their tenants while trying to keep their cool.
It’s rare for any landlord or tenant to set out looking for conflict, but sometimes the unexpected causes disagreements and discord. And when a problem strikes, having the tools to deal with it quickly and effectively can truly preserve your sanity.
From proactive measures to reactive steps, it’s worth getting a handle on things like:
The good news is that, with the right info to hand, tackling issues is less stressful than you might think. So let’s look at how you can fix conflicts and disputes without losing your head.
Removing the potential for future problems is the best way for landlords to avoid disputes, so here are seven ways you can set your tenancy up for success:
Conduct thorough referencing, prepare an inventory with photos, use a proper tenancy agreement, and protect the security deposit within 28 days of check-in.
Ensure all safety checks and certificates for gas, electricity and fire safety are kept up to date throughout the tenancy.
Go for durability and years of service, from interior fittings, to washable paint, to the highest quality appliances that reflect the value of your property.
Respond quickly to your tenants’ requests for repairs and maintenance and keep in touch about contractors visiting.
Make regular inspections throughout the tenancy to check in with your tenants, check up on your property, and nip problems in the bud.
Have an out-of-hours number for tenants to call in emergencies - as a managing agent we offer this as a standard part of our service
Cover yourself with insurance for landlord contents, public liability, and rent guarantee - the peace of mind is priceless.
All of this is buy-to-let 101, and having these steps in place will make problems less likely to crop up in the first place, and easier to handle when they do.
Nuisance and noise disputes are fortunately rare and usually sorted amicably without landlords ever finding out. But in case you do end up getting involved, here are some things worth knowing:
Unfortunately, we Brits often suffer in silence through fear of confrontation, but most neighbour issues can be quickly resolved by taking the initiative in a friendly but firm fashion.
If your tenant pays their rent late, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve gone bad. People sometimes experience financial hiccups, and there are quite a few options for finding a solution. in a firm but fair way.
The goal for both of you is to find a solution that avoids going to court, but it’s worth keeping a record of all communication in case legal action becomes necessary.
General wear and tear at your rental property is an inevitable outcome of people living there. Damages, however, are another matter, and while accidents do happen and can be inconvenient to fix, they don’t need to become a drama.
Too many landlords lose disputes unnecessarily, so take a look at our previous Deposit Disputes blog to put yourself in the best position from the start.
Sometimes, the only resolution to a dispute is to part ways with your tenant. We cover the legal process of getting your property back in our previous Rental Recovery blog, but here are some tips on keeping it together through an often challenging and protracted time.
It often gets lost that landlords don’t enjoy evicting tenants, so if dealing directly with an eviction feels too stressful, ask a managing agent to handle it for you - there’s no need to do everything yourself.
Have you got tenant troubles?
Feeling alone can make handling disputes even more difficult for a landlord, but we’re here to make things easier for you and stand by your side.
Whether you want some quick advice on a current challenge, or you’re thinking of working with a managing agent in the Wilton & Salisbury area, call us on 01722 580059 or email us at info@piccoloproperty.co.uk for a friendly, expert chat.
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