HOW TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM TENANTS

In an ideal world, we would all want renting to go exactly as planned, but unfortunately there is always a chance that you may rent to problematic tenants.

Landlords often find it difficult to deal with, whether it's issues related to property damage, unpaid rent or even antisocial behaviour, but being aware of the complex laws governing tenants' rights and knowing precisely what you can and cannot do can help you safeguard both your property and your rights as a landlord. We've put together this helpful guide to assist you recognise the issues that tenants may bring and prepare you to handle them:

WAYS TO PREVENT ISSUES WITH YOUR TENANTS

There are several things you can do to prevent issues later on, even before you start renting.

• Check a prospective tenant's background, verifying that they have the legal right to rent. Also getting a reference from a prior landlord should raise any red flags and assist you in avoiding problematic tenants from the start.

• Keep an up-to-date inventory of the items in your property. This is particularly crucial for landlords who rent out completely furnished properties. A current inventory is essential in the event that your tenants do damage the property.

• Review your tenancy agreement. It is important to take the time to make sure your tenancy agreement is legally sound before the tenancy begins to prevent issues and extra costs down the line. If you have any doubts about it, it would be a good idea to have a property solicitor or lettings specialist examine it in advance, we as an agent do offer this service as do many others.

WHAT POTENTIAL PROBLEMS MIGHT OCCUR WITH TENANTS? 

Tenant issues can occur even if you've taken every precaution to avoid them. Being aware of typical issues that could arise will enable you to recognise any early warning indicators. Common issues with tenants may consist of:

• Damage to your property or the furniture in it. While normal wear and tear is to be expected during a tenancy, there are instances in which this can result in property damage. It can be beneficial to set ground rules early on regarding policies such as whether dogs are permitted and whether certain house renovations (such as wall painting or picture hanging) are permitted. Additionally, make sure you are able to respond appropriately by doing routine property inspections.
  
  

• Complaints about noise and neighbour conflicts. Nobody enjoys having a noisy or unruly neighbour, and if you're the landlord, you may frequently have to deal with complaints. In these cases, it's a good idea to speak with the tenants and explain the situation.

• Overdue rent. It might be challenging to work with a renter who has fallen behind on their rent. To prevent any misunderstandings, start by recording the dates on which rent is due and received. You should also provide your tenants with receipts once the money has been paid. Try contacting your tenant if the rent isn't paid after a few days before submitting a formal written request.

• Refusing to leave the property when the rental agreement expires. If you have a new tenant that is eager to move in, tenant unreliability can frequently lead to issues. It is the tenant's legal right to remain in the property until they are evicted, therefore instead of changing the locks, initiate the eviction process.

• Tenants who sublet without confirming that it is allowed. Not only is this against the law in some places, but it can also bother your neighbours and jeopardise the security of your property. Be explicit in the contract about house guests to avoid your tenants acting as host to who ever they want.

• Unpractical requests. Even though it's your responsibility as a landlord to keep the property in good condition, you may occasionally receive a request that you think is excessive. Again, you may help avoid this issue by being explicit in the rental agreement about your obligations as a landlord.

• Tenants who are prepared to break the law are more likely than others to give you problems down the road. Your best alternatives if you witness tenants involved in illegal activity are to report the matter to the police and seek eviction.

HOW DO I HANDLE PROBLEM TENANTS?

Don't panic if the worst happens and you end up dealing with any of the abovementioned issues. Even though you may be feeling annoyed, keep in mind that you are not the only one who has to deal with these kinds of problems.

When issues initially surface, speak with your tenants in a straightforward, courteous, and firm manner and explain why their actions are unacceptable.

This should, hopefully, be sufficient in the majority of cases to address any issues and resume your tenancy.

Having a clear communication strategy will help you maintain a positive connection with your renters and simplify the letting process for both of you, even if they are tough tenants.

Keep written records of everything you do and any correspondence with the tenant, these documents will show that you are a professional and that you have tried to fix the matter if you end up in court.

In the unlikely circumstance that everything fails, you might have to consider evicting your tenant to get back possession of your property.

Get in contact with Regency Properties if you need assistance or have any queries regarding managing your tenants.

LANDLORDS, ARE YOU LOOKING TO TURN YOUR PLACE INTO PROFIT? REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE FOR A FRIENDLY CHAT

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LANDLORD RESCUE PACKAGE HERE

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA