The UK government has introduced Awaab’s Law, set to take effect from October 2025, to ensure landlords take responsibility for fixing dangerous living conditions, particularly damp and mould. The law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing.
While the law currently applies to social landlords, there is growing pressure for similar standards in the private rental sector. This means landlords and letting agents must take proactive steps to ensure properties remain safe and compliant.
What Awaab’s Law Requires
- Prompt Investigation & Repair: Landlords must respond to hazardous damp and mould reports within set timeframes.
- Emergency Fixes Within 24 Hours: Urgent hazards must be addressed immediately.
- Phased Expansion: While damp and mould are the current focus, further safety regulations are expected to follow.
Failure to comply could lead to severe legal consequences for landlords and letting agents, making it crucial to have robust inspection and reporting processes in place.
How No Letting Go Can Help Landlords Stay Compliant
No Letting Go provides specialist property reporting and inspection services that help landlords and letting agents meet their legal obligations while protecting tenants’ well-being.
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Mid-Term Property Inspections
Regular mid-term inspections help landlords identify early signs of damp and mould before they become severe. Our detailed reports highlight potential issues so action can be taken before tenants escalate complaints.
🔗 Learn more about mid-term inspections
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Inventory and Check-Out Reports
By keeping accurate inventory and check-out reports, landlords can track changes in a property’s condition over time. If damp and mould appear, having a clear record helps establish whether it’s due to structural issues or tenant negligence.
🔗 Explore our inventory services
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Property Health Checks
No Letting Go offers specialist property condition reports that assess key risk areas, including ventilation, leaks, and damp. This helps landlords address hidden hazards before they become serious compliance issues.
🔗 Find out more about property health checks
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Protecting Landlords from Legal Risks
With detailed, time-stamped property reports, landlords can prove they have taken reasonable steps to maintain a safe living environment. This is essential if disputes arise with tenants or authorities regarding property conditions.
Take Action Now
With regulations tightening, landlords and letting agents must act now to ensure properties remain compliant and tenants are protected. No Letting Go provides the expert reporting and inspection services needed to stay ahead of these changes.
📞 Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your compliance efforts.
When dealing with illegal activity in a rental property, landlords and letting agents must balance their legal rights with tenant protections. Under UK law, you must follow strict procedures to enter a property, even if you suspect illegal activity, such as a marijuana farm. Here’s how landlords can proceed while remaining compliant with the law.
Landlord’s Right to Enter the Property
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords can enter a property for specific purposes:
- Routine Inspections and Repairs: You have the right to inspect or carry out repairs, but you must give the tenant at least 24 hours’ written notice. This must be at a reasonable time of day, and without tenant consent, you cannot force entry unless it’s an emergency.
- Emergency Access: For emergencies like gas leaks or flooding, landlords can enter without notice. These are extreme cases where immediate action is required to protect the property.
- Suspicion of Illegal Activity: If you suspect illegal activity, such as drug production, this does not qualify as an emergency. You must still follow the normal access procedures. Entering without permission could lead to legal consequences for breaching the tenant’s rights.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Illegal Activity
If you suspect illegal activity in your rental property, here’s how to proceed legally:
- Document the Suspicion: Collect evidence of the activity, such as complaints from neighbours, odd property modifications, or unusual behaviour from the tenant.
- Involve the Letting Agent: Notify your letting agent. They should have regular access to the property and can act on your behalf, documenting any suspicious activity.
- Contact the Police: For serious illegal activity, like drug cultivation, notify the police. They have the legal authority to enter and investigate without needing tenant permission.
- Serve a Notice for Inspection: You can still issue a 24-hour notice for an inspection. If the tenant refuses access or blocks entry repeatedly, this could constitute a breach of tenancy.
- Legal Action for Access: If the tenant continues to refuse access, apply for a court injunction. This legal order compels the tenant to grant access, particularly if it’s hindering your legal obligations for repairs or inspections.
- Ending the Tenancy: Persistent refusal to allow access may lead to serving a Section 8 notice for a breach of contract, especially if it prevents you from fulfilling your obligations.
Letting Agent Responsibilities
Professional letting agents are crucial in managing access and addressing illegal activity. Here’s how they can assist:
- Regular Inspections: Agents are responsible for conducting mid-term inspections and flagging any concerns. If access is denied, they should notify the landlord immediately.
- Reporting Suspicious Activity: Agents should report any suspicious behavior to both the landlord and authorities. They are the first line of defense in protecting the property.
- Facilitating Legal Processes: Letting agents should help landlords take legal steps, such as issuing breach notices or applying for court orders to access the property.
- Communicating with Authorities: Agents can liaise with the police in cases of suspected illegal activity, ensuring everything is handled properly and within the law.
- Managing Documentation: Detailed documentation, including inspection reports, inventories, and communication records, is essential for legal claims and insurance purposes. Agents should maintain all relevant records for potential legal or insurance claims.
How Letting Agents Can Help
Letting agents play a key role in managing situations involving suspected illegal activity. They can:
- Conduct Inspections: Ensure regular, documented inspections are done and alert the landlord to any refusals or concerns.
- Coordinate with Police: Engage with authorities if illegal activity is suspected, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Provide Legal Support: Assist in serving notices and applying for injunctions, or even starting eviction proceedings if necessary.
- Document Everything: Maintain detailed records that protect the landlord’s interests, helping with deposit claims and insurance payouts.
In summary, landlords should rely on their letting agents to manage access issues and suspicions of illegal activity. Agents can handle the legal aspects while ensuring the landlord’s property and interests are protected, preventing any legal repercussions from improper actions.
In the realm of property inventory management, No Letting Go has emerged as a beacon of excellence and reliability. With a plethora of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the property sector, No Letting Go has carved a niche for itself, ensuring that properties across the UK are safe, compliant, and well-managed. Among its vast array of offerings, three services stand out due to their popularity and effectiveness: inventories, mid-term inspections, and check-outs. Let’s delve into the success of these services and understand what sets them apart.
- Inventories: The Foundation of Property Management
The inventory service provided by No Letting Go serves as the bedrock for any tenancy agreement. It offers a detailed record of the property’s condition at the start of a tenancy, ensuring that both landlords and tenants have a clear understanding of the property’s state. This comprehensive documentation acts as a protective shield, preventing potential disputes and misunderstandings down the line.
- Mid-Term Inspections: Ensuring Continuous Compliance
Regular inspections during a tenancy are crucial to ensure that the property remains in good condition and any arising issues are promptly addressed. No Letting Go’s mid-term inspection service offers a thorough check, identifying potential problems and ensuring that tenants are adhering to their contractual obligations. This proactive approach not only maintains the property’s condition but also fosters a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
- Check-Outs: Concluding Tenancies with Clarity
As a tenancy draws to a close, the check-out service becomes indispensable. No Letting Go’s meticulous approach ensures that the property’s condition at the end of the tenancy is compared with the initial inventory, highlighting any damages or changes. This clear comparison ensures that any deductions from the deposit are fair and justified, minimising disputes.
The Pillars of No Letting Go’s Success
Several factors contribute to the success of these popular services:
– Ease of Booking and Tracking: With a 24/7 online booking portal, property professionals can effortlessly book and track reports, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
– Guaranteed Protection: No Letting Go takes pride in its guarantee that properties are safeguarded by their reports. Their end-of-tenancy check-out, in particular, assigns responsibility, be it to the tenant or landlord. Impressively, less than 0.01% of these reports end up in adjudication, as reported by My Deposits.
– Audit Trail: A unique feature of No Letting Go’s system is the presence of an audit trail on each job. This trail ensures transparency, accountability, and can be instrumental in managing disputes and maintaining service levels.
– Tailored Services: Recognising the diverse needs of the property sector, from large national agents to small independents, No Letting Go offers bespoke solutions. Whether it’s a complete outsource service, leveraging their Kaptur software for in-house inventory management, or a combination of both, clients receive services that seamlessly integrate with their operations.
In Conclusion
No Letting Go’s commitment to excellence, combined with its tech-driven approach and customer-centric services, has solidified its position as a leader in property inventory management. The success of its most popular services – inventories, mid-term inspections, and check-outs – is a testament to its dedication to ensuring safe, compliant, and harmonious tenancies across the UK.
Delving into HHSRS: The Importance of Recognising Category 1 and 2 Hazards
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) stands as a pivotal assessment tool in the UK’s housing sector. Designed to evaluate potential risks and hazards in residential properties, the HHSRS plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants. Central to this system are the categorisations of hazards into two distinct groups: Category 1 and Category 2. This article delves deep into the significance of these categories and underscores the importance of recognising and addressing them.
Understanding the HHSRS Framework
Before diving into the categories, it’s essential to grasp the overarching framework of HHSRS. Introduced under the Housing Act 2004, the HHSRS evaluates housing conditions and identifies potential hazards that might harm the health and safety of current or future occupants. The system is not about setting a standard but rather about identifying and mitigating risks.
Category 1 Hazards: The Critical Concerns
Category 1 hazards are those deemed to pose the most severe risk to the health and safety of occupants. If a local housing authority identifies a Category 1 hazard in a property, they are legally obligated to take action. These hazards can range from structural issues, such as collapsing roofs, to environmental concerns like severe dampness and mould growth. The primary characteristic of Category 1 hazards is their immediate and severe threat to life and well-being.
Category 2 Hazards: Lesser but Significant
While not as immediately dire as Category 1 hazards, Category 2 hazards still present significant concerns that can adversely affect the health and safety of residents. These might include issues like inadequate lighting, minor electrical faults, or less severe dampness. While local authorities are not legally bound to act upon identifying a Category 2 hazard, they do possess the discretion to intervene if deemed necessary.
The Importance of Recognising These Hazards
Resident Safety: The primary purpose of the HHSRS is to safeguard the health and well-being of occupants. Recognising and addressing both Category 1 and 2 hazards ensures that residents are not exposed to conditions that could harm them.
- Legal Implications: For landlords and property managers, understanding these categories is crucial from a legal standpoint. Failing to address Category 1 hazards can lead to significant legal repercussions, including hefty fines and potential legal action.
- Property Value: Beyond the immediate health concerns, unaddressed hazards can significantly devalue a property. Structural issues, dampness, and other such problems can deter potential tenants or buyers, impacting the property’s market value.
- Long-term Savings: Addressing hazards promptly, especially when they are in Category 2, can lead to long-term savings. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into major, cost-intensive problems.
- Reputation Management: For landlords and property management firms, addressing hazards is also a matter of reputation. Ensuring properties are safe and hazard-free enhances credibility and trustworthiness in the market
The HHSRS serves as a beacon, guiding the housing sector towards safer, healthier living conditions. Recognising and understanding the significance of Category 1 and 2 hazards is not just a regulatory necessity but a moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. By staying informed and proactive, landlords and property managers can create environments that are not only compliant but truly conducive to healthy living.
Future-Proofing Property Management: No Letting Go’s Tech-Driven Property Inventory Software Approach
In the dynamic landscape of property management, staying ahead of the curve is not just a luxury but a necessity. As the property sector grapples with increasing demands and ever-evolving challenges, the need for innovative solutions becomes paramount. Leading the charge in this transformative journey is No Letting Go, a renowned name in the UK’s property inventory management sector. With a tech-driven property inventory software approach, No Letting Go is redefining the future of property management. Let’s delve into their pioneering strategies and understand how they are future-proofing property management.
Embracing the Digital Shift
The traditional property management methods, characterised by manual record-keeping and paper-based systems, are no longer sustainable in today’s fast-paced world. Recognising this, No Letting Go has seamlessly transitioned to digital platforms, ensuring accurate, fully compliant property reporting. This shift enhances efficiency and ensures that property managers and landlords can access vital information whenever and wherever they need it.
The Power of Cloud Computing
Central to No Letting Go’s tech-driven property inventory software approach is its robust cloud-based property inventory management system. This innovative system offers a plethora of benefits:
24/7 Accessibility: Whether you’re in the office or on the move, the cloud-based system ensures that property data is always at your fingertips.
Real-time Updates: Every change is instantly recorded and reflected from property conditions to inventory additions, ensuring all stakeholders are always in the loop.
Efficient Report Management: With an online booking portal, property professionals can manage all inventory ordering and report management with a simple click, streamlining operations and reducing delivery times.
Data Security and Integrity: The cloud infrastructure ensures that data is secure from breaches and consistently backed up, preventing any potential data loss.
The Significance of Audit Trails
A standout feature of No Letting Go’s system is the presence of an audit trail on each job. This trail is more than just a record; it’s a testament to transparency and accountability. Every change, every update, and every modification is meticulously logged, providing a precise chronology of events. This audit trail is invaluable in the following ways:
Dispute Resolution: Should disagreements arise, the audit trail serves as an unbiased record, aiding in swift and fair resolutions.
Ensuring Compliance: In an industry rife with regulations, the audit trail ensures that all actions are compliant with prevailing laws and standards.
Maintaining Service Levels: By tracking every job’s progress, No Letting Go ensures that service levels are consistently met, reinforcing their commitment to excellence.
A Tailored Experience
Understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, No Letting Go offers tailored services to its diverse clientele. From prominent national agents to small independents, clients are provided with a bespoke solution that aligns with their unique needs and processes. Whether a complete outsource service or leveraging No Letting Go’s Kaptur software for in-house inventory management, clients are assured of a solution that seamlessly integrates with their operations.
In conclusion, as the property management sector stands at the cusp of a technological revolution, No Letting Go is leading the way with its forward-thinking, tech-driven property inventory software approach. By harnessing the power of digital solutions and cloud computing and by emphasising transparency and customisation, No Letting Go is not just future-proofing property management but setting new industry benchmarks.
From Booking to Tracking: Streamlining Property Management with No Letting Go the Property Inventory Management Specialist
In the ever-evolving world of property management, landlords and agents are constantly seeking ways to streamline their processes, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. Enter No Letting Go, the UK’s leading property inventory management specialist, dedicated to creating fully-compliant property reporting tailored to individual needs. Let’s delve into how No Letting Go revolutionises the property management journey from booking to tracking.
1. Comprehensive Property Reporting Services
No Letting Go offers a plethora of property reporting services, with the three most popular being inventories, mid-term inspections, and check-outs. These services stand out because of their user-friendly booking and tracking features. Moreover, the end-of-tenancy check-out assigns tenant/landlord responsibilities, ensuring that any arising disputes are promptly addressed. Impressively, less than 0.01% of these reports end up in adjudication, as reported by My Deposits.
2. 24/7 Online Booking Portal
The cloud-based property inventory management system by No Letting Go is a game-changer for both national and local agents. This unique system offers an audit trail for each job, assisting in dispute management and ensuring service levels are met. The system’s efficiency has led to reduced delivery times for agents and property managers. Plus, clients can access any report, regardless of its age.
3. National Coverage with a Personal Touch
With over 80 offices nationwide, No Letting Go caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from large national agents to small independents. Clients benefit from a booking and tracking portal tailored to their needs. They can choose to interact centrally or with the nearest local office. Whether clients prefer an outsourced service, the Kaptur software for in-house inventory management, or a combination of both, No Letting Go ensures a seamless experience aligned with their systems and processes.
4. Commitment to Excellence
At the heart of No Letting Go’s operations are its core values: reliability, consistency, and accountability. In an industry rife with legislation, the company strives to offer the best compliant property reporting services. By embedding these values into their team and leveraging technology solutions, they enhance the customer experience, ensuring that properties are adequately protected by their reports.
5. Partnerships that Matter
No Letting Go collaborates with leading organisations to bolster the rented sector with their top-notch property management services. This synergy ensures that clients receive the best in the industry, further solidifying No Letting Go’s position as a trusted property inventory management specialist.
In conclusion, No Letting Go is not just a property inventory management specialist; it’s a partner in the truest sense. By offering a range of services tailored to individual needs and ensuring a seamless experience from booking to tracking, they are setting new standards in property management. Whether you’re a landlord, an agent, or a property manager, partnering with No Letting Go means ensuring accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.
Optimising Property Management Reporting Services: The Role of Reliability, Consistency, and Accountability at No Letting Go
In the intricate realm of property management, the significance of reliable reporting services cannot be overstated. It forms the bedrock of trust between landlords, agents, and tenants. No Letting Go, a leading name in the UK’s property inventory management landscape, has set the gold standard in this domain. At the heart of their success lie three core values: reliability, consistency, and accountability. Let’s explore how these principles are shaping the future of property reporting at No Letting Go.
1. Reliability: Building Trust in Every Report
No Letting Go’s commitment to creating accurate, fully-compliant property reports has earned them the trust of landlords and agents across the UK. With over 10 different report services on offer, they ensure that each report, whether it’s an inventory, mid-term inspection, or check-out, is meticulously crafted. Their end-of-tenancy check-out, for instance, clearly assigns tenant/landlord responsibilities, ensuring clarity and reducing potential disputes. It’s no wonder that less than 0.01% of their reports end up in adjudication.
2. Consistency: The Promise of Uniform Excellence
In an industry marked by ever-increasing legislation, consistency in service delivery is paramount. No Letting Go achieves this through their cloud-based property inventory management system. This unique platform allows agents, both national and local, to manage all inventory orders and report management seamlessly. An audit trail on each job ensures that service levels are consistently met, and disputes, if any, are managed efficiently.
3. Accountability: Taking Ownership of Every Detail
Accountability is not just about taking responsibility; it’s about delivering on promises. No Letting Go’s approach to property reporting is a testament to this. Their guarantee that properties will be protected by their reports speaks volumes about their commitment to their clients. If a dispute arises, they don’t just wash their hands off it; they assist until it’s resolved.
4. Embedding Core Values in Technology and People
No Letting Go’s ethos is deeply embedded in their technology solutions and their team. Their online booking portal, available 24/7 for property professionals, is a testament to their commitment to making property reporting as streamlined as possible. With national coverage and over 80 offices, they ensure that their core values are reflected in every interaction, be it through a central point of contact or a local office.
5. A Partnership Approach to Property Management Reporting Services
No Letting Go’s collaborations with leading organisations in the rented sector further underscore their commitment to excellence. By working hand-in-hand with other industry leaders, they ensure that their clients receive nothing but the best services.
In conclusion, the world of property reporting is rife with challenges, from ever-evolving legislation to the intricate dynamics between landlords, agents, and tenants. In this complex landscape, No Letting Go stands out, not just for their top-level services, but for their unwavering commitment to reliability, consistency, and accountability. As they continue to set new benchmarks in property inventory management, one thing is clear: with No Letting Go, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to excellence.
Understanding HHSRS: A Comprehensive Guide to Scoring and Inspections
When it comes to ensuring the safety and habitability of rental properties, landlords and property managers must be familiar with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This assessment tool evaluates potential hazards in residential properties and helps to maintain high living standards. But how exactly does the HHSRS work? Let’s delve deeper into this essential aspect of property management.
Introduction to HHSRS
The HHSRS, introduced under the Housing Act 2004 in England and Wales, provides a risk-based evaluation tool for residential properties. Its principal aim is to identify and tackle potential hazards that could affect the health and safety of current occupants or visitors.
The HHSRS covers 29 categories of potential hazards, from damp and mould growth, excess cold/heat, to fire risks, and structural collapse hazards. Understanding these categories is crucial for landlords to ensure their properties provide a safe environment for tenants.
HHSRS Inspection Process
An HHSRS inspection is typically carried out by environmental health officers from the local authority. The process involves a thorough assessment of the property to identify any potential hazards. The officers use their professional judgment, alongside the HHSRS guidelines, to categorise and rate any hazards they find.
Understanding Category 1 and 2 Hazards
Identified hazards under HHSRS are classified into Category 1 or Category 2.
Category 1 hazards are the most severe, posing a serious threat to the health and safety of occupants. These can include issues like severe dampness, dangerous boilers, or inadequate fire precautions. If Category 1 hazards are identified, the local authority has a duty to take action.
Category 2 hazards, while not as severe as Category 1, can still negatively impact health and safety. Local authorities have discretionary powers to act upon these, depending on the situation.
Scoring the HHSRS
The HHSRS employs a scoring system based on the risk associated with the identified hazards. It evaluates the likelihood of an occurrence that could cause harm and the potential harm outcome over the next 12 months.
High scores typically denote Category 1 hazards and can lead to enforcement actions such as improvement notices, prohibition orders, hazard awareness notices, or even demolition orders.
Importance of HHSRS
The HHSRS provides a systematic approach to identifying and tackling property hazards. It allows for an objective, evidence-based assessment, helping landlords and property managers ensure their properties are safe and healthy environments for their tenants. It’s also worth noting that failing to address identified hazards could lead to legal repercussions and reputational damage.
Conclusion
As a landlord or property manager, understanding the HHSRS is fundamental to maintaining property standards and tenant safety. With the knowledge of what inspectors look for and how they score potential hazards, you can proactively manage your properties and ensure they are in line with the necessary health and safety standards.
Remember, providing a safe living environment isn’t just about meeting legal requirements – it’s about ensuring the wellbeing of your tenants, and that’s priceless.
Discovering the Top 3 Property Report Services at No Letting Go: Inventories, Mid-term Inspections, and Check-outs
In the real estate industry, maintaining high-quality property inventory management is crucial for both landlords and estate agents. At No Letting Go, we understand the importance of reliable, consistent, and accountable service provision. To cater to these needs, we offer a plethora of report services. However, three services stand out for their immense value to our clients: Inventories, Mid-term Inspections, and Check-outs. Here’s a deep dive into what makes these services indispensable.
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Inventories
Our comprehensive inventory service provides an in-depth record of a property’s condition and contents at the start of a tenancy. The report includes detailed descriptions of each room and its contents, supported by high-resolution photographs. This helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes about the property’s condition at the outset.
The inventory report is an invaluable tool in protecting landlords’ and tenants’ interests alike. For landlords, it provides evidence in case of disputes over damage or missing items. For tenants, it offers reassurance that they will not be held accountable for pre-existing issues.
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Mid-term Inspections
Regular inspections during the tenancy can help identify and address any issues before they escalate, maintaining the property’s value and tenants’ satisfaction. No Letting Go’s mid-term inspections service provides a snapshot of the property’s current condition, assessing cleanliness, repair, maintenance issues, and compliance with the tenancy agreement.
Our professional, unbiased inspectors carry out these checks, highlighting any areas of concern, such as unreported damage, signs of subletting, or potential health and safety hazards. An easy-to-read report with supporting photographs is then provided, enabling landlords and property managers to take any necessary action promptly.
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Check-outs
At the end of a tenancy, our check-out service assesses the property’s condition against the initial inventory, noting any changes or damages. This comprehensive report outlines who is responsible – tenant, landlord, or fair wear and tear – providing clear evidence if deductions from the tenant’s deposit are necessary.
No Letting Go’s meticulous approach to the check-out process ensures a fair and transparent process for both parties. We also provide support if any disputes arise, with less than 0.01% of our reports ending up in adjudication, as reported by My Deposits.
Conclusion: The No Letting Go Advantage
At No Letting Go, we use our unique cloud-based inventory management system to streamline our services. This technology enables us to reduce delivery times, manage disputes effectively, and ensure excellent service levels. Our online booking portal allows national and local agents to manage all inventory orders and reports at the push of a button, regardless of how old the report is.
Whether you’re a large national agency or a small independent, our mission is to provide a tailored service that aligns with your systems and processes while upholding our core values of reliability, consistency, and accountability. In a fast-paced, increasingly regulated industry, we offer the tools, expertise, and commitment to ensure your property management runs smoothly, efficiently, and with total compliance.
Finding a new home to rent can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. It’s a big financial commitment and one you don’t want to get wrong. To help renters check that they’ve found the right property, here are five things to look out for before signing on the dotted line.
Five things renters should consider
1. Is the furniture in good condition?
It’s important to check that furniture in the property is in good working order and meets fire safety standards. Furniture that comes under fire safety rules should have labels attached to confirm they meet the required standards. Any furniture, including sofas, beds, cushions and mattresses that don’t meet fire standards, is broken or needs replacing through wear and tear should be replaced at the landlord’s expense. It isn’t your responsibility to replace the furniture in furnished property.
2. Is the property secure?
Different properties have different security needs, but it’s essential to know that your home is secured properly. You need to feel safe in your home, so ensure that locks are fitted properly and of good quality. Windows should also be checked to ensure they close properly and can be locked. It may also be necessary to consider security lighting and an alarm system.
3. Are there signs of dampness?
Damp and mould create uncomfortable living conditions and can be a health risk. Look in the corners of rooms and around widows for dampness and condensation. Signs of mould, flaking paint or wallpaper coming away from walls are all warning signs.
4. Are safety alarms in place?
There are specific regulations around smoke & CO alarms and CO2 monitors in rental properties, and you need to ensure that any property you are looking at has the required alarms in place and that they work. If not, this is a breach of the law and needs to be addressed before you can move in.
5. Check there’s an inventory
A comprehensive property inventory can save you from difficult conversations and disputes at the end of the tenancy. It should list all furniture, appliances, etc. and their condition, and you must agree that the inventory accurately represents the property’s contents and condition. If you don’t have one, you could find yourself bearing the cost of repairs and replacements you weren’t expecting when you come to leave the property.
Don’t rush in, only to pay for it later.
A few checks before you decide to rent a property could save you a lot of heartache and unforeseen costs down the line. Understanding what you and the landlord are responsible for when you look at a property can help you ask the right questions if you are unsure of anything.
Taking time to read a letting agreement can help you feel confident that you and your landlord are starting off on the right foot from the beginning of your tenancy.
No Letting Go
If you would like to discuss how our local support or national network at No Letting Go could become your inventory partner, streamlining your costs, reducing your workload and ensuring that both you and your tenants are well protected, then contact No Letting Go today.