Category Tenant

If you’re just starting to rent, you’ve probably seen properties that are already rented. Maybe you’ve already found the house you want and signed a contract, but on the agency’s website, it still says “let agreed.” So, what does it mean when a house is agreed to be rented? Is it a contract that holds up in court, and why do landlords use it? Here, we look into the term and tell people who want to rent what it means.

Let Agreed Explained

When a property is under let agreed designation, it means that an offer has been made and the landlord or estate agent has agreed to it in principle. But the landlord or property management company must first do tenancy checks before the deal can be finalised. These steps are taken to make sure that the potential tenant can rent the property and has enough money to pay the rent.

There are credit checks, references from previous landlords, and checks to make sure the person has the right to rent. If, for example, the tenant’s credit isn’t good, the landlord might ask for six months of rent up front.

The Difference Between Let Agreed And Let

So, as we’ve already said, “let agreed” means that the landlord basically agrees to the offer made by the possible tenant. The landlord won’t sign the official tenancy contract, which would let the potential tenants move in, until the checks are done.

So, there is a chance that a property that has been agreed to be rented could fall through and become open to other people who want to rent it. Before signing the final contract, it’s a good idea to do as many checks as possible and make sure it’s the right property. Both the landlord and the applicant can back out of the deal at this point.

When a property is rented, on the other hand, both the landlord and the person who wants to rent it have agreed to the terms of the rental contract. At this point, all of the checks have been done, and the landlord is satisfied that the new tenants are a good fit and have enough money to pay the rent.

Can You Still View An Agreed Property?

You could still look at a house that’s under let agreed status in theory. Depending on how strong the applicant is, though, most letting agents won’t bother with showings until the deal falls through.

Most of the time, they will set up a time for you to see the place after the lease should have been signed. If the let agreed status drops before then, you would be the first person to see the property and could make an offer. So, if you’re interested in a let-agreed home, it’s always a good idea to ask about it, since there’s a chance you could still get it.

Acceptance for a rental property can be time-consuming, difficult, and confusing, and many people would like to know how to make it easier with good rental property advice. In this article, we will explore the procedures used to pick a tenant and provide tips to improve your chances of success.

It’s often assumed that if you inquire first when a rental property becomes available, you’ll be more likely to be approved. This is sometimes true, but there is a procedure that must be followed in order to locate a landlord the perfect tenant. Every landlord will have different criteria and goals when it comes to renting out their home, thus being told you haven’t been successful might be for a number of reasons. Continue reading to learn more.

Sign Up With Local Letting Agents For Great Rental Property Advice

If you want to increase your chances of securing a rental property, and you want somewhere to go for reliable rental property advice, signing up with a number of local letting agents is a good idea. Not only will you be on their mailing list when new properties come up, but you’ll be able to ask as many questions as you need to – this is particularly useful for first-time renters who need some guidance.

Have The Right Budget

Make a decision on what your budget realistically is before you start looking at houses. This will keep you from being enamoured with a sparkling new kitchen and spending more than you can afford. Take into consideration the expense of travel. It’s pointless to save £100 per month by renting farther away from where you want to be if the added expense of travelling to work is £200 per month. The last thing you want to do is put your name forward for a property only to realise that it’s too expensive and have to pull out – this could make you look less reliable in the future. Only say you want to live somewhere that you really do want. Of course, life happens and sometimes you might change your mind, but the wrong budget should never be a reason for that.

Be Prepared

Prepare payslips from your employer (or accounts if self-employed) to present the landlord or agent, as well as a reference from any previous landlord. You may be required to provide information about your former residences for up to three years. Take your bank or building society account information with you so the agent or landlord can get a banker’s reference. In the eyes of landlords, not having a bank account at all is a significant disadvantage. Check your credit score at www.experian.co.uk or www.equifax.co.uk. If everything is in order, you can present it to the agent or landlord as evidence that you are reliable with money; if not, attempt to clear up any issues and errors. A good agent will check regardless, but you want to see it first.

Check The Inventory

When it comes to rental property advice, there is one thing that is crucial; check the inventory. Although this won’t determine whether you are chosen for a property or not, it’s still going to benefit you once you do move it. Many tenants ignore the inventory report or sign it without looking, and then, when they move out and an issue arises, they have no recourse for help. Read the report, check you’re happy, and only sign when everything is cleared up. For more rental property advice about inventories, please get in touch with Looksy Inventories today.

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.

Landlords must understand what their tenants want in rentals. What attributes do renters search for in a property? What should landlords look for when buying a buy-to-let property? What turns off tenants?

Some landlords fail to understand precisely what tenants want, while some tenants struggle to locate a house that suits their requirements. In this post, we will discuss the top attributes that tenants look for in a rental and what landlords can do to increase tenant interest.

Location

People wanting to rent homes place a high value on location. Most people want to be near to local shops, facilities, and public transportation, as well as their employment.

Of course, if you already have a rental property, you cannot move it. When considering acquiring a buy-to-let property, landlords should consider the location as well as the sort of tenants it would appeal to.

Tenants prefer not to reside too far away from local facilities. This is particularly true if they do not have a car and transportation options are restricted. It’s crucial to have a supermarket, GP, pharmacy, and other services nearby, and school catchment areas are a key concern for families.

Because location of rentals is a major determining factor for renters, landlords should mention all surrounding facilities in the property advertisement description.

Safety & Security

Every tenant wants to feel secure in their home. Most individuals would not prefer to rent a house in a high-crime area, thus location and safety often go hand in hand.

Renters like the confidence of a functional security system with alarms and robust locks on windows and doors, in addition to the area’s crime rate. As a result, landlords must ensure that the rental property has an operational security system.

Landlords can make their tenants feel safer by installing CCTV, adding additional locks and a peephole to the front door, and ensuring all safety certifications are in place, in addition to having a functional security system.

A mid-term inspection to see the property is also suggested for landlords to check that everything in their property is safe and functional. This also allows the renter to address any questions or concerns they may have.

Outdoor Space

Many renters like having their own outside area in rentals, whether it’s a garden, patio, or balcony. If such possibilities aren’t available, being close to a neighbourhood park is frequently a huge draw for tenants, particularly those with small children.

Having outside space allows residents to enjoy the sunlight during the warmer months, hold outdoor gatherings for family and friends, and have a separate spot to relax in. Outdoor space has been especially popular during the pandemic since individuals were confined to their houses for so long and realised how crucial it was to have that outside space.

If the house has a garden, upgrading and enhancing it might help to attract more potential renters. This demonstrates to tenants that the landlord is concerned about the property and prepared to make adjustments. It may also boost the property’s value.

Open Plan Rentals

Open floor layouts are becoming more popular. Nowadays, many homes include an open-plan kitchen and dining room, which makes even the tiniest areas appear much bigger. This allows renters a lot more freedom, enabling them to use it as a dining room, lounge area, or even an at-home office space. Open-plan layouts are often suitable for student leases and HMO residences with community areas.

Landlords may want to consider demolishing a wall in their kitchen or living room to create a place for an open-plan space. If an open-plan concept is not a possibility, landlords should consider eliminating large pieces of furniture that may take up a lot of space in particular areas.

Parking & Transport Links

Transport connections are a key draw for renters, particularly students and commuters. Of course, you can’t modify the transportation options in your region, but you may emphasise them in your property advertisement. Transport connectivity, as well as the overall location, should be considered when acquiring a buy-to-let property. Nearby bus, subway, or tram stations may pique your curiosity, as will easy access to main roadways, particularly in commuter towns.

Having a dedicated parking place is essential for drivers. If landlords have the opportunity, providing renters with access to a parking area or garage would be much welcomed. This not only gives convenience, but it also adds security by enabling residents to be near to their automobile.

If you are a student moving away from home into leased housing, it can be both an exciting and daunting idea, and there is a lot to think about when selecting the perfect home for the next 12 months. University students and parents often assume that student living is the most cost-effective and socially good alternative, but they fail to consider the benefits of private housing. We give more information on renting a private residence, as well as the benefits of moving into private housing.

What Is Private Housing?

Private housing refers to a property that is held by a landlord – either a person or a property business – and is rented out to tenants. Tenants will often engage through a letting agency operating on behalf of the landlord or directly with the individual landlord.

Costs & Budgeting

Because you have the ability to tailor your expenses to reflect how much you approximately use, living in private housing may result in lower utility costs. Your provider will assist you in determining the best bundle depending on each individual’s daily use. Living with your friends could also help you save money on expenses and help you budget. Remember that full-time students are free from council tax, but you must notify your council that you are qualified in order to prevent getting an unexpected charge.

Bills are included in the rent for some homes for university students, which can be extremely reassuring. You won’t have to worry about finding the lowest energy provider or the best internet packages; all you’ll have to think about is your rent in this kind of private housing.

Location

When initially browsing for somewhere to live, it’s normal to get drawn in by the cheap costs for student accommodation and become carried away with arranging viewings, but if the property is miles away from university, you’ll spend a significant amount of money and time on the commute alone. It may have an impact on your social life since your friends may be unwilling to travel the lengthy distance, and you could feel excluded from the spontaneous nightlife. You will also need all of the time you have due to your university timetable. Often, there will be private housing available to rent near university campuses, shops, and entertainment in a variety of pricing levels. All it takes is the correct search.

Who Will You Be Living With?

Uncertainty about who you will be living with can be frightening. When you move into private housing, you have the option of living alone or choosing who and how many people you want to live with. This can make starting life at university a lot easier.

Quality Of Private Housing For Students

The standard of student housing for rent has evolved throughout time. In contrast to the typically antiseptic atmosphere of student halls, many landlords provide a contemporary, safe, and homey ambiance. You may frequently discover houses with a lot more character, and you may also be able to customise your home to your preference (subject to the landlords approval).

Technology is becoming more important for renters wanting to rent at the top end of the market. The attraction is understandable: there is technology for almost everything in the house, including integrated music systems, multi-room temperature management, and the capacity to remotely lock doors, all of which can be controlled from a tablet or phone.

These more complicated systems are often already installed in rental houses.

The following are the benefits and drawbacks of renting out a property with a complicated technological system or moving there as a renter.

PROS

CONVENIENCE

These smart home technology solutions, when utilised appropriately, can make life much simpler for both tenants and landlords. The ability to operate anything remotely, from the heating to the curtains, allows you to keep an eye on the property while you’re away and remain in charge when you return from the comfort of your own bed or sofa.

SECURITY

There are now devices that can mimic your daily activities while you’re gone, making your house seem inhabited.

FUNCTIONALITY

The usefulness and usability of these technologies are undeniably appealing.

MARKET ATTRACTION

In a market of more sophisticated tenants, a well-equipped home with smart home technology will stand out and frequently let ahead of a less technologically adept competition.

CONS

UPDATING

Instruction manuals are readily misplaced, and whoever is in charge of a property is also in charge of keeping this smart home technology up to date. Manuals can be difficult to replace as technology advances.

DIFFICULTIES IN OPERATING

Tools are only as good as their operators – too complicated smart home technology systems might be more of a problem than a solution if tenants are unable to use them. Having a three-hour training session for the tenants just so they know how to use their new home will be really unpopular and prove to be rather difficult.

MAINTENANCE

These systems often need upgrading, and upkeep can be pricey for landlords.

Technology is a wonderful tool that, when utilised wisely, can significantly improve one’s quality of life. Clearly, there is plenty to consider, but technology can only be as helpful as the tenants and landlords make it.

Landlords may be excused for being perplexed by the rules and legalities on access. The legislation makes them accountable for safety and maintenance and threatens them with severe fines if they do not comply. However, if they enter the property without authorisation, they can be sued for trespass and violating the tenant’s right to ‘quiet enjoyment.’ What does this mean?

Tenants’ Rights

Tenants have a right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of the property under common law. This is an implicit provision, or covenant, that has been stated or inferred in English property conveyances and leases for centuries. This clause requires the landlord to allow the tenant to dwell in the property without excessive interference, that is, “without interruption of possession”.

‘Quiet enjoyment’ is a phrase that is often misused. In Jenkins v Jackson, a case from 1888, the court declared that the phrase ‘quiet’ in the covenant “does not imply undisturbed by noise.” When a tenant is in possession peacefully, it has nothing to do with loudness… ‘Peacefully and quietly’ means without interference.

In a nutshell, it means that the renter must be allowed to live in (or ‘enjoy’ in the old-fashioned sense of the term) the property without interference from the landlord or anybody acting on his behalf. This safeguards the renters’ interests.

Landlords’ Rights

Tenants, however, must allow landlords access. Both the Housing Act of 1988 and the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985 require that every rental agreement include a condition or covenant stating that the tenant must provide reasonable access to the property for repairs to be carried out.

Landlords will, of course, want access to the property in order to do these repairs. In addition to access for repairs, the landlord has the right to inspect the property’s condition. The landlord or someone acting as the landlord’s agent may enter the property at any “reasonable time of day” but only after providing the tenant with at least 24 hours’ written notice.

Landlords should not claim any special privileges regarding how often and when a property may be accessed. Access to a leased property is difficult; for a renter, it is their private home, yet for a landlord, it is a precious asset that must be carefully managed. To make this work, some kind of agreement with the tenant is required. As a result, it’s not uncommon to hear of landlords being accused of trespassing on a leased property by disgruntled tenants.

Getting The Proper Balance

In general, there are two categories of tenants; those who give easy access to the property and appreciate having a proactive landlord who maintains the property and others who do not. The other categories stipulate that they must be present for any maintenance or inspection visits. As a landlord, you must assess the sort of renters you have and how to deal with them, as there is no perfect solution. Essentially, you must have a positive working relationship with your tenants.

Balancing tenants’ rights and landlords’ legal duties might be challenging, but it should be doable if addressed with mutual respect and practicality.

An eviction is a tool, or rather a process, that enables a property owner to take control of their property. This may happen for a variety of reasons. Some landlords just wish to safeguard their investment from poor renters. Other times, they may just want their property returned, regardless of whether or not the tenants are good.

In most cases, evictions are unavoidable. Renters may be compelled to look for new housing. Evictions, however, can only take place via a rigorous legal process to guard against abuse. Eviction cannot occur without the proper procedure for the proper tenancy. Furthermore, landlords can never get a court-ordered possession order.

These processes, of course, involve notifications to the renter at each stage of the process. There are other legal alternatives for protesting and fighting eviction.

First, get acquainted with the eviction procedure. You must understand when, when, and how to stand up and protect your tenant rights.

The initial step in most routine evictions is to obtain a section 21 eviction notice from your landlord. It is a written letter in which the landlord requests that you vacate the property and return it to him. To be lawful, it must give you at least two months’ notice and wait for the set period to expire. After this warning has expired, the landlord may take additional action via the legal system.

How To Delay An Eviction

Maybe you’ve given up fighting the eviction. Alternatively, you want to get rid of your landlord just as much as they want to get rid of you. You may want to postpone the eviction if you do not have enough time or finances to prepare your new living arrangement. You may just need extra time to plan your relocation.

The simplest and most straightforward option is to just ask your landlord. Most landlords would allow a little delay unless you show detrimental behaviour or participate in illegal activities. You may easily obtain delays ranging from a week to a month. This way, you can organise your new home or save up for a rent deposit.

Keep in mind that you will only recover your existing deposit once your tenancy has officially ended. You can’t count on it as your tenancy deposit for the following tenancy. This regulation may be waived on special circumstances.

You simply cannot move out if your landlord is obstinate and refuses any delay. That’s correct, Section 21 simply politely requests that you leave. It is not a possession order giving the owner legal occupancy. It also does not take away your access rights under the lease agreement.

Your landlord must file a court application for a possession order. When approved, they must apply to the municipal bailiffs for an execution warrant. In the first instance, the owner has no authority to physically remove you from the property. They must wait for these processes to be implemented.

If they make a mistake with the paperwork, they must return to the previous stage and resume again. All of this may take a long time. Some evictions may go up to six months before the renter is ultimately evicted.

We cannot promote such behaviour, but renters have the choice to do so. If you think you are being evicted in violation of the law, make every effort to postpone the eviction procedure. You may buy yourself more time to respond and make sound choices.

How To Prevent An Eviction

It may be feasible to reduce or avoid an eviction entirely. Examine the reasons why your landlord wants you to leave first. They must be included on the section 21 notice, as well as the intended move out date. Contact your landlord and see if you can’t work out a solution for these issues. Landlords often issue a notice to quit in order to evict their tenants. Landlords may impose some discipline on how the property is utilised by issuing a notice to leave.

If you’ve caused damage or skipped or delayed rent payments and have been issued with a notice to leave, contact your landlord right away. Often, such mistakes on the tenant’s part are simple to correct, and eviction may be avoided. In any case, you have nothing to lose by attempting to reach an agreement with the property owner.

Section 21 notifications may only be issued in the following circumstances:

They must always give the renter at least two months, or eight weeks, notice before moving out.

For fixed-term leases, they must always establish a moving date no earlier than the end of the specified time.

Within 30 days of receiving the deposit, the landlord must have safeguarded it and delivered the required information.

The landlord must provide grounds for evicting you, but any reason is acceptable in a notice to leave.

These are the most frequent errors landlords make when providing you with a notice. Keep an eye out for them. If any of these are missing or improperly stated, the landlord must repeat the process. They must issue a fresh notice with a new expiration date.

If your landlord attempts to evict you during your fixed term, he or she must issue you with a section 8 notice. Then they will make a straight application to the court for possession of the property. The owner is required by law to provide convincing grounds for your eviction before the court. Some reasons, if supported by evidence, are unarguable. They will almost certainly result in a possession order being issued to the landlord. Rent arrears of more than two months, for example, will result in eviction.

Others must convince the judge, who will grant or reject the possession order at his or her discretion. If your case is heard here, you will be given the opportunity to respond to your landlord’s allegations. You must provide your own proof and statements.

Even if you don’t own the house you live in, you want it to feel like your own. As a tenant, this might be difficult at times because you must follow the rules that come with renting. But making your rental property feel like home can be done, and it should be done. With that in mind, here are some pointers to help you make your rental seem more like home.

Add Plants

Greenery can breathe new life into a space. They brighten and bring warmth to your rental property. They may also offer the additional benefit of eliminating toxins and purifying the air around them. You don’t need to have a green thumb for your indoor plants to thrive; there’s plenty of low-maintenance vegetation available.

Use Furniture With Added Storage

We are always in need of more space and your rental property is no different. When a home is cluttered and messy, it can feel uncomfortable and be a constant reminder that this is someone else’s house. Purchasing furniture with built-in storage is a terrific method to store all of the extras that don’t have a home. For that extra space, consider employing coffee tables and footstools with hidden storage. Cabinets can provide more enclosed storage, and bed frames with storage under the mattress or on the sides are also available.

Have Rugs

Rugs are an excellent addition if you are dissatisfied with the flooring in your rental property but can’t change it because the landlord says no. They’re also a great way to personalise a room’s decor. They can offer colour and personality, or they can tone out the room, depending on your needs. A wide rug in the lounge room could provide additional seats on the floor while also making the space feel cosier. If your room is missing in colour, Persian rugs might be a terrific way to bring it back to life.

Install Mood Lighting

Make good use of lighting! Whether it’s a giant, free-standing lamp in the living room or smaller lights in the bedroom, these can add personality to any space. Keeping larger lamps in a room’s corners reduces the disruption caused by going from one area to another.

Upcycle What You Already Have

Sometimes the items you already own may use a facelift. Consider painting or decorating existing furniture. This will give your rental property a new atmosphere without the need for new furniture. When relocating or decorating existing furniture, take care not to harm or interfere with the property.

Take Pride In Your Rental Property

Take pride in your rental property and treat it as if it were your own. This will only help you as a tenant in the future because of your excellent rental history. Taking care of your home also reduces the possibility of losing your deposit when it comes time to move out. As expert inventory clerks in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, and West Sussex, Looksy Inventories knows that looking after your rental property goes a long way when it comes to your landlord agreeing to return your deposit, and the inventory report being a positive one.  

During the tenancy period, a tenant is usually responsible for paying council tax and utility bills. A tenancy agreement will usually state that a tenant is responsible for paying council tax and utility bills when renting, and many disputes arise when a tenant fails to do so.

In such cases, an adjudicator may be presented with a number of unpaid bills that correspond to the length of the tenancy. Nonetheless – and importantly – if the bills are in the name of the tenant, an adjudicator will usually determine that the landlord has not suffered a loss and will not make an award.

This is because the contract is between the utility provider and the tenant, and any loss or liability is thus not the landlord’s responsibility (and would instead be pursued by the utility company against the tenant directly). Alternatively, if a landlord presents unpaid utility bills when renting in the landlord’s name (or at the property’s address), an adjudicator may determine that the landlord is entitled to make a claim against the deposit.

This is because the liability (as stated on the bill) is in the name of the landlords and letting agents for the property, and thus the landlord would suffer a loss. Commonly, this occurs with council tax liability, where a council may not have been updated as to the tenant’s occupation of a property, and the landlord will retain liability for the council tax at the address. A liability in the name of the landlord (or the name of a property) can be recovered against the deposit; however, the standard burden of proof principles will apply.

Postal Services Act 2000

While a landlord may be concerned about unpaid utilities, a landlord and agent cannot open the tenant’s mail without permission, and doing so may constitute a criminal offence under the Postal Services Act 2000. In any case, a landlord should keep in mind that a utility contract is typically between a tenant and a utility provider, and as such, it is not the landlord’s responsibility (or liability) – such correspondence, therefore, should be forwarded to the tenant at their forwarding address, unopened.

However, such a liability would usually arise if the property was left vacant – and a tenant cannot be held doubly liable for council tax on a property where a landlord or letting agent has found a new tenant to offset the impact of a breach of the fixed term. However, if the property is a property of multiple occupations or if a landlord can claim an exemption due to an unoccupied/substantially unfurnished property, the circumstances may be different. In these cases, it may be prudent for a landlord or letting agent to seek legal counsel.

Contact Looksy Inventories Today

Contact Looksy Inventories today to find out more about how an inventory can prevent disputes at the end of a tenancy, and ensure your rental property is safe and secure. Utility bills when renting can even be included, ensuring everyone knows who is responsible.