The price of houses has been increasing steadily over the past 50 years, making it more difficult for the young adults of today – Millennials – to become homeowners. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for dynamic office and home workers to stay in a tenancy agreement until their late 30s or early 40s. As a result, landlord relationships and stress related to keeping on top of your tenant’s duties are part of their everyday life. One of the common worries of tenants is connected to the sometimes evasive sense of responsibility and honesty of private landlords. Even though the law might be on your side, it is a long and painful process to get things in order when you need a solicitor to intervene. More often than not, taking all the necessary precautions can help you to protect your deposit and your rights from an unscrupulous landlord.
Start early
As a tenant, your deposit is a sum of money that you expect to get back when you move out, assuming that no damage has been made to the property aside from natural tear and wear. Consequently, it’s in your best interests to pack your belongings and move house early so that you can avoid all last minute panic. This leaves you a clear mind to tackle the eventual repairs and fixes before your landlord’s visit. Keeping an organized mind from the labeling of your boxes to the necessary decluttering requirements can help you to get done easily and rapidly. Additionally, as you empty each room, make sure to keep a checklist of damages you need to sort out.
Get a professional to help
Let’s be honest, unless you’re moving out of your student room on the university campus, it’s likely that you’ll have a lot of things to care for. The DIY approach might seem cheaper and more appealing at first, but in reality, nothing replaces professional experience. You can work with a moving company to get your boxes to your new address safely. When it comes to ensuring the property is clean and neat, booking the services of an interior house painter will make sure your landlord won’t have anything to criticize. If repairs are needed, such as changing a tap or filling a hole, make sure to do these before painting the walls!
Review carefully with your landlord
Your landlord will have a move in and move out checklist. Tenants receive the list as they move in and are given a few days to check that everything is correct as per the document. If your landlord has missed damages occasioned by the previous tenants, you need to mention these as you move in to avoid losing your deposit. Additionally, your landlord will refer to the same checklist when you leave the property, so it’s a good idea to go through it together to make sure that you agree with the review. In the case of a disagreement, you can refer to your rights as a renter to find a solution. If the damage, for instance, is the result of lack of maintenance from your landlords, such as failing to fix the plumbing system which might have caused leak stains on the walls and ceiling, you can secure your deposit and even claim compensation from your landlord.
As young adults are more likely to be in a tenancy agreement for a long time, it’s essential to know your rights and understand your responsibilities to protect your money.
Candid Mama
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