Tips To Avoid Breaking The Law As A Landlord
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In my last blog I spoke about the reasons why you should try to keep your relationship with your tenants as positive as possible. If you didn’t read that I recommend you go back and quickly do so to get up to date and take in some great advice.
As previously we talked about things you can do to be a good landlord to your tenants, it’s time to talk about a big no-no to be aware of for those in the role of a landlord.
While, as the landlord and owner, gaining access to your property might seem like something that is perfectly within your rights. However, doing so without your tenants express permission can cause big problems to your relationship with them.
Although the property might be yours, to your tenants, it is their home, a private sanctuary from the outside world. Any unauthorised access can at best remind them their home isn’t actually their own, and at worst, make them feel vulnerable and unsafe in their own home.
You might just be popping round to check the mail or see if the place is in safe hands, but to your tenants you’ve broken the number rule between tenant and landlord, at least in their eyes.
In fact tenants are entitled to the ‘quiet enjoyment’ of the property, so you are not even allowed to turn up unannounced, even if you do knock first. You must ask your tenants for permission to visit the property and give at least 24 hours notice. You cannot even visit unless they give you permission, although they may not unreasonably withhold consent.
Basically, if you feel the need to pay them or the property a visit, think carefully whether it is in fact necessary or not, and if it is, check with them to arrange a convenient time, giving them plenty of notice. You wouldn’t be happy with someone cold calling at your home for a look around so don’t do the same to someone else.
In the next blog I will be covering what to do if your tenants want to make a change to something specific in the property so keep tuned.