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Regardless of the kind of property, wear and tear is inevitable. Every house has a shelf life, and the more people that live in it, the more fragile and worn out it becomes. However, there are methods to safeguard your rental property and minimise the impacts of normal wear and tear on the property.

For landlords, this page discusses what constitutes “normal wear and tear” and offers advice on how to keep rental properties in good condition.

What Is Classed As Normal Wear and Tear For A Property? 

Typical wear and tear on a property is caused by ageing or exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as direct sunlight. If you’ve owned a home for a lengthy amount of time, wear and tear is inevitable in most cases.

A few instances of progressive wear and tear include:

• Stains on rugs and carpets

• Slight dings and dents in wood or carpeting

• Curtains that have lost their lustre

• Chipped paint

• Windows that are dirty or old

• Defective latches and handles

• Peeling or scratched wallpaper

• Cracks in plaster

How To Prevent Wear And Tear In Your Rental Property 

It is inevitable that wear and tear will occur, but you and your tenants can endeavour to minimise its impact. Approaches include, but are not limited to:

Conduct Regular Property Inspections 

Establish a schedule for periodic inspections of the property. If you visit the property every three to five months, you’ll be able to stay on top of any maintenance concerns and rest easy knowing your renters are doing their part to keep it in good shape.

As you stroll about the home, take note of any little concerns that might turn into a bigger problem if they aren’t addressed. When scheduling these inspections, be sure to talk to your tenants about the best day and time for both of you. It’s often best to have interim inspections carried about by an unbiased third party, like the experts at Looksy Inventories. 

Monitor Plumbing In Your Investment Property 

You must keep an eye on your property’s plumbing while doing the inspections outlined in this section. Leaks, damage to neighbouring properties, and even harm to your rental property and its contents are all possible outcomes of faulty plumbing and damaged pipes. Replace any worn-out pipes, and get them checked on a regular basis.

Ensure Your Rental Property Is Regularly Cleaned 

Create a standard that is realistic and acceptable to your tenant. Make sure they know what you anticipate and remind them that frequent cleaning and maintenance helps to extend the life of your property – and minimises the issues of wear and tear.

If you have a lease agreement in place, you can even employ a cleaning service for your rental property. For example, this should guarantee that kitchens and other community facilities are maintained clean.

Create A Property Inventory  

An inventory should be kept by every landlord. This will serve as documentation of the property’s contents at the start of the tenancy and may assist you in covering the expenses of any possible damage. It will establish expectations for your renters and help you to monitor the property’s condition. Contact Looksy Inventories today to find out more. 

Among the numerous things you must do as a landlord, one of the most crucial is to do an inventory. This entails producing an inventory of everything in the property you want to rent out, including the building itself – walls, floors, ceilings, roof, drainpipes, drains, and so on.

This is more than simply a list of goods; it also includes the state of each item. This is critical for both you as a landlord and your tenant. If you have anything in great condition when you lease the property, but the tenant breaks it during the tenancy, you have the legal right to remove money from the tenant’s deposit to fund any repair or replacement.

Inventory is vital from the tenant’s perspective since, for example, if there is a large scratch on a wall, it must be mentioned in the inventory from the start. That means you, as the landlord, are unable to deduct money from the renter’s deposit since the initial inventory demonstrates that the scratch was there when the tenant moved in.

So far, so good. But what about check-in and check-out reports Sevenoaks (and surrounding areas, of course)?

Check-In Reports

So, when the tenant moves in, you must complete a check-in report that specifies everything in the property, including its condition. This check-in report should ideally be completed on the day the tenant moves in, with the tenant present. This means you can both agree on the state of things, which makes life simpler. If the renter is unable to be there, give him or her a copy of the check-in report and allow them a few days to make any remarks – just in case there is damage to anything and you overlooked it. You must both sign the report after you have reached an agreement.

You will also be required to conduct interim inspections throughout the lease. This is for a variety of reasons, one of which is that it will allow you to identify any faults that may need maintenance or repair. It also allows you to examine how your renter is living and whether or not your property is being well-maintained.

Check-Out Reports Sevenoaks

When the tenancy comes to an end, you must create a check-out report, which you must then compare to the initial check-in record. If there is damage, you may deduct the cost of repair or replacement from the tenant’s deposit. It’s usually best to have check-out reports Sevenoaks (as well as inventories, check-in reports, and interim visits) conducted by an unbiased third party – this will prevent any accusations of unfair behaviour on either side. 

Some landlords prefer to visit the home a couple of weeks before the end of the rental to do a check-out report that shows the tenant any damage and gives them the opportunity to carry out repairs or replace an item before moving out. This may frequently save further problems since the tenant can admit that anything is their responsibility and correct it so that they receive their whole deposit back.

For more information about check-out reports Sevenoaks, please get in touch with us at Looksy Inventories. We are experts in all things rentals.

When many workplaces were forced to close because to the Covid-19 outbreak, an extraordinary shift toward working from home occurred. In order to accommodate their new work habits, tenants had to reevaluate what they required from their rental property, which had a big influence on the rental market.

What Adjustments Did Tenants Want To Work From Home?

As a result of individuals working from home, whether they were renting or owning, three essential aspects of their residences changed:

• Work area

• A place to relax and unwind in the fresh air

• Location

For many families, there was a need for more than one person to work at the same time. For those who wanted to work from home, more room was required. Employees wanted an additional room for a home office, but the option to set up a particular workspace or desk in an existing room also made a significant impact.

People also wanted more outdoor space in addition to more inside space. When individuals were not permitted to leave their homes, having a garden or even a balcony became a necessity. For both physical and emotional well-being, even when constraints have been relaxed, getting up and moving about throughout the course of a long day at a home desk is a need.

Finally, people’s ability to live altered as well. To save time and money, they no longer had to drive to cities or commuter suburbs to go to work.

Renters, in particular, have the freedom and flexibility to pick where they want to reside based on their work schedules. As a result, a large number of city dwellers relocated to the countryside or small villages outside of the city centre in search of more affordable housing with the additional room they sought.

What Happened After Lockdown?

Expectations are high that things will revert to pre-pandemic status, including those of tenants, at some point in the near future. Even still, according to YouGov, 60% of British employees would like to work remotely from time to time, so the need for space and desire to live in distant areas may be here to stay.

However, when businesses reopen, there seems to be a resurgence in city life. According to a recent BBC article, the urban rental market has seen an uptick in demand due to people returning to work gradually and covid restrictions being loosened. This year’s January demand was 76% higher than in the prior four years.

Landlords who own homes in cities and bigger towns will be pleased to hear this news. However, they must take into account the fact that many renters will continue to work from home, which will have an impact on their choice of property.

Looksy Inventories Is Here For You

Contact Looksy Inventories now to learn more about how our local team can become your inventory partner and ensure that your property continues to be attractive to today’s tenants.

Good landlord communication is vital. Landlords must establish a relationship of trust and open communication with their tenants if they want to be successful in managing their properties.

Whether you’re in a relationship with a spouse, a friend, or a tenant, communication is essential. In order to create trust and define responsibilities in a relationship, you need to communicate effectively.

The most essential thing you can do as a landlord is establish a relationship based on mutual trust and open lines of landlord communication with your tenants. It takes the right people, at the right time, with the appropriate knowledge to communicate effectively.

Why Do Landlords Need To Do This?

Landlord communication that is open and honest helps develop trust and creates long-lasting partnerships.

Good communication between parties reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.

When Should Landlords Start?

Transparency is critical right from the get-go. This should begin before the tenant comes in and continue during the tenancy. Make sure your tenants know how to get in contact with you and what your expectations are.

Who Is Responsible?

With your tenants, you have a duty to communicate clearly. In order to have a strong connection, both sides will need to speak with each other. Landlord communication needs to work both ways.

What Method Of Landlord Communication Is Best?

There are various methods to communicate nowadays, including conventional letter writing, phone calls, and visits to the tenants, as well as email, SMS, and other social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages for landlords when it comes to interacting with their renters.

However, there are occasions in which specific procedures are preferable, such as serving legal documents or an eviction order, which necessitates documentation. If you want to remind a tenant of a forthcoming tradesperson appointment or schedule viewings, utilise channels like text messaging or WhatsApp. It’s a good idea to use email to communicate tenancy documents, such as a lease or inventory.

Depending on the severity of the issue, a landlord may resort to making emergency phone calls. Landlords often forget to contact their tenants, yet doing so may help fix issues much more swiftly.

How To Communicate Effectively

Putting a face to a name helps to establish trust and a connection right away.

If you utilised any experts or tradespeople, such as an inventory clerk, please let the tenant know. This will save time and alleviate issues in the future.

Let them know what their obligations are as well as yours, and be upfront about it.

Tenants want to know you’re accessible if they have issues or concerns.

Keep your end of the bargain by adhering to inspection dates and completing maintenance tasks.

Keep in mind that connections are continuous, so don’t be afraid to remind or notify ahead to scheduled maintenance appointments or inspections. Take requests seriously and respond promptly.

Having a written record of conversation will be helpful for future reference, and it will protect both parties if they do so.

In order to make your work simpler, you should make use of a property management site that provides you with the necessary resources.

One of the most thrilling and gratifying properties to buy is a listed building. Owning a historically significant structure, however, comes with a slew of challenges. There are both advantages and disadvantages to owning a listed building; read on to find out more.

What Is A Listed Building?

A listed building is one that is regarded to be of unique architectural or historic interest, as well as being of national significance.

The older a structure is, the more probable it is to be a listed building. Most buildings constructed before 1700 that are still in their original state are likely to be listed. Most structures constructed between 1700 and 1850 are likely to be listed. Buildings constructed after 1945 are less likely to be listed. Buildings that are less than 30 years old are unlikely to be classified since they are not regarded to be of significant architectural or historic importance.

Not only buildings can be listed, but so can battlefields, monuments, parks, gardens, telephone boxes, milestones, shipwrecks, and other locations.

Types Of Listed Buildings

In England, there are three categories of listed buildings:

Grade I structures are considered to be of extraordinary interest. Only 2.5 percent of all listed structures are Grade I.

Grade II* buildings are extremely significant structures of more than passing importance. Grade II* listed buildings account for 5.8 percent of all listed structures.

Buildings of outstanding importance are classified as Grade II. Grade II buildings account for 91.7 percent of all listed structures. The majority of listed buildings are Grade II.

In England, there are an estimated 500,000 listed buildings.

How to find out whether a structure is listed: Search the National Heritage List for England or other appropriate national lists of listed buildings to see whether a property is listed and if so, what listing it has.

The Pros Of Owning A Listed Building

Owning a listed building can provide various advantages and benefits:

Living in a listed building may provide a one-of-a-kind lifestyle owing to its one-of-a-kind character. Living in a castle, a Tudor farmhouse, or a big Georgian mansion, for example, might provide a one-of-a-kind living experience.

Those who live in historic structures often express a strong sense of being a part of history. They like being a part of the nation’s history and legacy by living in and preserving a listed building for the future.

Listed buildings are often located in desirable urban and rural areas that are in high demand as places to reside in any event.

Listed houses may grow in value quicker than other properties in the same neighbourhood. The availability of listed buildings is restricted, which might assist to drive up prices. As a result, listed structures may be a valuable long-term investment.

The Cons Of Owning A Listed Building

However, owning a listed building has a variety of drawbacks:

You may not be able to make any alterations to a listed structure, or you may be allowed to make only minor changes to a listed property. It may be difficult or impossible to renovate, develop, or expand a listed structure.

To make major alterations to a listed building, you will very certainly need to acquire listed building consent (or LBC, as it may be termed).

Unauthorized work on a listed structure may be considered a crime. The maximum punishment for anybody performing or causing the performance of the work is two years in jail and/or an infinite fine.

Owning a listed building entails a legal obligation to preserve and maintain it. Local governments may issue a repairs notice under Section 115 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 if they believe the owner of a listed building is failing to meet this requirement. In severe instances, they might even issue a mandatory purchase order.

Listed structures may need extensive care and restoration. This is owing to their antiquity as well as the nature of the materials and processes utilised to construct them.

Maintenance of a listed building, as well as any work such as renovation and extension (if permitted), will be more complex and costly. This is due to the fact that specialised expertise and construction materials may be necessary.

Insurance for listed structures is often more difficult to get. Because of the increased expenses of restoring listed buildings, insurance for them is often more costly. On the insurance implications of owning a listed property, it is essential to get advice from a specialised insurer or broker.

Listed structures are often unsuitable for contemporary life. Listed buildings may feature tiny, awkwardly shaped rooms with low ceilings or large, high spaces. They may have poor insulation and energy efficiency, making them frigid in the winter and costly to heat. It is conceivable that efforts to fix these issues will be impossible to complete.

When it comes to keeping your rental property maintenance costs low, ‘prevention is the best cure,’ as the adage goes. That means you should make sure the building’s fabric is in excellent repair before renting it out, and then have a continuous inspection and maintenance programme in place to help prevent any significant and expensive concerns. Read on to find out more.

Have An Independent Survey

Unless you’re investing in a new home with a warranty, you should always use an independent surveyor to reduce maintenance costs. Remember that the valuation that your Buy to let mortgage lender prepares is just to protect them – not you – and it may be as simple as a surveyor searching up “comparables” online – they may not even visit the property in person.

Surveys are classified into numerous tiers. The ‘right’ one for you will depend on the age and condition of the property you’re purchasing, so consult with a RICS-qualified surveyor to see which is best for you. Make certain that the report include guidance on both current and possible future difficulties.

Do As Much Work As Possible Before You Let It Out

Fixing serious faults or making repairs after you’ve begun renting out your house could be far more difficult and expensive than performing the work before anybody moves in. If problems emerge during a lease, you’ll have to negotiate with tenants about when repairs are made and may have to arrange for them to be relocated somewhere if the project is large. If you wait until the property becomes unoccupied at the conclusion of a tenancy, you could face a lengthy period of time with no rental revenue.

As a result, it’s normally a good idea to do as much work as possible after finalising your acquisition, which should enable you to ‘future proof’ the house for at least the next 10-15 years, reducing maintenance costs.

Carry Out Regular Inspections

Once the property has been rented, it is critical to do frequent inspections – every 6-12 months – to examine both the interior and outside for any indications of deterioration that might lead to difficulties. It’s often a good idea to get an inventory clerk to do this for you. For example, if a roof tile has slid or the guttering has fractured, water might infiltrate the masonry and cause moisture inside. If surface mildew in the bathroom is left ignored, it may spread and develop into a significant mould problem. Depending on the reason, this might need specialised treatment and possibly jeopardise your tenant’s health. In summary, always solve issues as soon as they arise, before they become more expensive duties.

Give Your Tenants A Home Worth Looking After

If you give your tenants a home that is in excellent shape and has a high degree of interior décor, it normally encourages them to take care of it – and this should result in you spending less on maintenance costs and repairs. So it’s worthwhile to invest in quality furniture, repaint the walls every few years, and reply as soon as your renter complains anything isn’t functioning. Not only will items stay longer, but you should be able to charge more rent as a result.

If you’re considering making a new investment or remodelling an existing home, call us and talk to one of the staff about ways to save money on upkeep.

When a tenant moves out, an inventory serves as proof of the property’s condition and contents, which is why it’s an essential step in the leasing process. Let’s look at what exactly makes a good inventory.

What Is An Inventory?

Having an inventory on hand is essential when renting out a home since it will serve as documentation for the state of the house and its contents at the beginning and conclusion of each lease.

Landlords will be provided with an inventory of their property, which will include details on everything from its decor to its furnishings to its belongings to its garden and any outbuildings it has. This thorough record is used at the conclusion of each rental to make accurate evaluations of damage and cleaning concerns that are charged to the tenant.

Deposit scheme arbitrators or a court of law will consider the inventory as key evidence in the event of an end-of-tenancy dispute.

When Do You Need A Good Inventory?

Just before the tenant’s move-in, an inventory should be done. If there is any maintenance or cleaning to be done before the move-in, it should be done before the inventory is conducted.

Why Do You Need An Inventory?

If there are any inconsistencies between the state of the property you are renting out at the beginning and the conclusion of the lease, you as the landlord must have a full report. An inventory has never been more critical than it is now, thanks to the advent of deposit protection schemes. Landlords must secure their tenants’ deposits in an authorised programme when they accept a deposit from their tenants. The inventory will be an important piece of evidence for the adjudicator to evaluate if there is a claim at the conclusion of the lease.

Who Carries Out An Inventory?

A professional inventory clerk should be hired to do the task for you. Because it will be conducted by a third party, you are less likely to run into problems down the road if there is a disagreement.

What Should A Good Inventory Consist Of?

The condition of the walls, sockets, ceilings, and windows should all be documented with photographs as part of the inventory. Equipment such as meters and smoke alarms will be specified. Date and time stamps on the images are preferred.

Who Keeps The Inventory Report?

The tenant must sign a copy within seven working days of moving in to acknowledge the property’s condition. A copy should also be kept by the landlord or managing agency.

Why Is The Inventory Important For Tenants?

The tenant’s security deposit is well-protected thanks to the inventory and check-out reports. The renter’s deposit should be refunded in full if the property is left in the same condition as it was when the tenant moved in (allowing for reasonable wear and tear). Additionally, the good inventory serves as a handy tool for the tenant, who may use it as a checklist to ensure the property is restored to its original state at the conclusion of their lease.

As a landlord, renting agency, or independent clerk, you have a duty to provide an accurate inventory to your tenants. Renter-landlord relations should be improved as a result of this arrangement.

It’s usually a good idea to hire a professional moving company to assist you with your move, unless you live in a tiny home or apartment and can do everything yourself quickly and easily. Even while packing and moving your belongings may not seem to be too much of a challenge, there is a science to properly protecting delicate goods so that they don’t shatter during transport.

It is also important to know how much weight the moving company employees can handle and how they will do it in a safe manner. If you don’t know how to lift and carry heavy or awkwardly shaped things, could you do it safely? It’s always a good idea to choose a moving company, but how can you know you’re making the right choice? Read on to find out.

The Inventory

If you choose a professional moving company, they will do a thorough inventory of your items and estimate the weight and volume of your move. All of your storage areas, including cabinets, drawers, garages, and bookshelves should be examined by the estimator. Weight and space used up by your belongings are two major factors that determine a mover’s fee. Make certain that you understand fully and confirm the accuracy of this estimate.

The Walkthrough

In order for an estimation to be accurate, they must know what you want to move before doing a walk-through. A reputable estimator would inquire as to what you intend to bring with you from your existing residence to your new one. The estimator will ask what you want to leave behind or give away, so be ready to provide that information with him or her so that you can avoid having stuff on the truck that you don’t want.

The Moving Company Deposit

Before moving, reputable movers will not ask for cash or a big deposit. You should only make a payment after the product has been delivered. Your valuables are at risk if you pay for them ahead of time. Use a credit card to make purchases so that you are not a victim of any fraudulent activities.

Get References

If you don’t have any recommendations from friends or relatives, look for a list of reputable movers from professional organisations. Request recommendations from any moving company you talk with. Inform them that you want a list of three clients in your region who have moved in the last three months. Call those people and inquire directly about their experiences.

At Looksy Inventories we know just how important it is to conduct property inventories and inspections, including interim property reports, regularly to effectively protect your investments, and we’re sure this is the can-do-attitude and proactive management you want from a property manager.

We provide inventory clerk services which include inventory reports, check-in reports, interim property inspections, check-out reports, and legionella risk assessments.

But although you might understand just why most of these things are important, are interim property reports really necessary? Read on to find out.

Valuable Insight

Landlords can save the most money by addressing small concerns before they evolve into full-blown crises. Interim property reports are critical because of this. What other means are there to learn about your tenants’ behaviour than by doing a thorough inspection of the property?

What if a tenant violates the tenancy agreement and you don’t realise it until it’s too late? What if permanent harm has already been done? Interim property reports will reveal maintenance concerns, damage, neglect, and unauthorised activities such as smoking, pets, or subletting, as well as being an indicator of the tenant’s overall level of care for your property.

Limit Your Liability With Interim Property Reports

Many individuals find that renting out their home is a viable source of income, but landlords do have responsibilities. Rental homes, for example, must be safe and free of health dangers. Similarly, electrical and gas-powered appliances must be installed and maintained in a safe manner.

Noncompliance with your legal responsibilities as a landlord, property owner, or manager can have significant implications. In addition to being punished severely, leasing a hazardous house might have disastrous consequences for the tenants. If someone is wounded or killed as a result of this form of carelessness, the person in charge of maintaining the property is likely to face criminal prosecution.

Because of the possible severity of these punishments, it is essential that property managers, letting agencies, and landlords conduct interim property inspections, even on long-term leases. By doing so, you may not only guarantee that the value of your property is preserved, but you can also fulfil your legal requirements and reduce your personal responsibility.

Contact Looksy Inventories Today

As you can see, interim property reports are essential when you are a landlord for many reasons. But do you really want to do them yourself? Let Looksy help; we’re experts in exactly this kind of work. Contact us today to find out more.

Rent is a divisive issue, and rent increases even more so. Landlords must take into account the expenses of mortgage repayments, market fluctuations, and inflation when determining a reasonable rent or raising a current rent. Tenants, on the other hand, are generally upset with rent increases.

The truth is that nothing is ever the same, and prices are no exception. The expense of living is rising even if inflation is low at the moment. As time goes on, landlords’ expenses rise, hence rent hikes are a necessary part of the economy. Increasing rent to offset growing expenses is one thing, but raising rents for profit is quite another.

In this post, we’ll discuss the guidelines for rent increases, as well as whether it’s permissible to raise the rent and what other options you have.

When Landlords Can Implement Rent Increases

For a periodic or fixed-term assured shorthold tenancy, current rent is determined by the lease agreement. When a tenant signs a lease, they are agreeing to pay this amount. Furthermore, the leasing agreement should explicitly explain how and when a landlord might increase the rent.

Fixed-Term Tenancy Rent Increases

The landlord cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term tenancy, such as a 12-month agreement, unless there is a provision in the tenancy agreement that allows for an interim increase. Rent increases must be adhered to in accordance with the terms of your lease.

Renewals of fixed-term leases require that the new rate be included in an agreement signed by the tenant agreeing to pay the old rent when it expires.

Tenants with fixed-term leases do have the option of transitioning into periodic ones, but this isn’t required. A rent increase agreement may be issued at this time.

Rent Increases For Periodic Tenancies

The landlord can only raise the rent once a year under a monthly (or weekly) lease. The tenant must consent to any increase in rent before it can go into effect. In order for an agreement to be legally binding, it must be signed and dated by both parties. In order to provide the tenant at least a month’s notice of a rent increase, the landlord will need to issue a new rent form. A copy of the rental agreement must be kept on file by the tenant.

All rent increases must be reasonable and in accordance with the existing market rates in your neighbourhood.

Including a provision in the rental agreement stating that the rent will rise by X percent after six months is one approach to prepare ahead of time in the event that you choose to raise the rent. In this method, the tenant is made aware of the impending increase and given the opportunity to agree to it in advance. Even though the tenant originally consented to an increase in rent, they have the right to complain if the increase is excessive.

Raising Rent On Regulated Tenancies

Different rules apply to regulated tenancies. There is a cap on rent rises in this type of tenancy, which are determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Every two years, landlords can request that the VOA evaluate their rentals. For example, if the property has been rebuilt or enlarged and the rent has been increased, a rent review might be sought. Although the VOA can both raise and lower your rent, so you should be aware of this possibility.