The Importance of Property Inspections
In private renting, routine property inspections form an essential part of successful property management. For Landlords and letting agents alike, these inspections serve multiple functions—preserving the condition of the property, ensuring compliance with legislative obligations, and fostering good tenant relationships. Neglecting this key aspect of property management can result in costly repairs, legal complications, and unnecessary disputes.
Renters’ Rights Bill reaches Committee Stage - 22nd April 2025
Since the 2nd Reading in the House of Lords, those with a vested interest have been waiting for the date of the Committee Stage to be announced.
The dates of the sittings in the House of Lords have been published - The Committee Stage will begin on April 22nd, 2025.
Celebrating Property Managers
Everyday brings with it a whole range of issues that Property Managers need to navigate, from water leaks to boiler breakdowns that result in no heating and no hot water. The seasons bring with them a raft of “damage” , which include but are not limited to blown down fences, missing roof tiles, excessive cold and other weather related matters.
Whilst the valuers and negotiators land new business, in the background property managers oversee the problem solving, the customer care & customer service elements and the client relationship management - 24/7, 365 days a year.
Spring & Gardens
We appreciate that not every rental property has a garden or outside space, however, landlords believe that outside space and gardens, in particular, are an extension of the internal part of the property.In rental properties, the upkeep of the garden is typically the tenant’s responsibility unless a gardener is included as part of the tenancy.
1. Condition at the Start of the Tenancy
The condition of the garden should be documented at the beginning of the tenancy. This process is usually conducted by the Landlord or letting agent, with agreement required from both parties. Disputes frequently arise due to differing recollections of the original state of the garden. At the end of the tenancy, the outdoor space should be returned in the same condition, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.
2. Responsibilities During the Tenancy
A standard tenancy agreement typically requires the tenant to mow the lawn, trim hedges, remove weeds, and dispose of garden waste. Bins should also be emptied regularly, and general tidiness must be maintained. Structural repairs, such as those to fencing, walls, and paths, remain the responsibility of the Landlord unless damage has been caused by the tenant. In such cases, deductions from the deposit may be made to cover the cost of repairs, provided this is permitted within the tenancy agreement.