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Tenants Info
This section covers all the information a tenant would require to maximise the chance of receiving their full deposit at the end of the tenancy.
The Tips for Tenants are designed to help facilitate a problem free move for tenants at the end of the tenancy.
Fair Wear and Tear has also been defined by the National Landlords Associations, so tenants can be fully aware of their responsibilities in relation to property condition at the Check Out.
Tips for Tenants
The following notes have been written to help facilitate a problem free move at the end of the tenancy:
Cleaning
Cleaning expected throughout the property, with particular attention being given to: sanitary ware, windows, Flooring, woodwork, kitchen appliances (ovens, cooker hoods, refrigerators, washing machines), kitchen units, shelves, wardrobes, drawer units, linens and bedding.
It is expected that the property will be in a similar condition of cleanliness as noted in the original inventory. If the standard of cleaning is not satisfactory, most managing agents or landlords will employ a contract cleaner, the cost of which will be deducted from the tenants deposit.
Decorations
It is accepted that during the course of normal day to day living a few marks and scuffs will appear on some of the internal décor. However, should 'Wear and Tear' be deemed excessive it will be pointed out in the check-out report. For example: fixings driven into walls, excessive staining, pencil or crayon marks, tears to wallpaper, excessive damage to woodwork etc.
Furnishings
Furnishings will be examined for scratches, markings, stains, burns, soiling and damaged joints / fixings. It is expected that furnishings will be in a similar condition as at the start of the tenancy and thus it is in the tenants interest to protect them.
Beds and Linen
Mattresses, Bases, Pillows, Duvets and sheets will be checked for damage and staining not previously noted and all bed linen mush be folded and clean for examination in the check out report.
Crockery, China and Utensils
These items will be checked for soiling, chips, burn marks, and loose handles. All china, glassware, kitchen utensils etc, should be clean and returned to the correct position as noted in the original inventory.
Keys
All keys listed on the inventory must be kept safely and handed over at the end of the tenancy. Should any keys be lost or missing you may be charged replacement costs for the locks and if any extra keys are cut these must also be returned.
Gardens
The tenant is required to maintain the garden unless a professional gardener has been employed by the owner. This may include: lawn mowing, hedge /shrub trimming and general weeding although it is recommended that the tenant seeks confirmation from the managing agent prior to taking action as specialist treatment maybe required.
Fair Wear & Tear as defined by the National Landlords Association
A tenant cannot be held responsible at the end of a tenancy for changes to a property's condition caused by what the House of Lords has called 'reasonable use of the premises by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces (i.e. the passage of time).'
A professional inventory clerk uses experience and common sense to assess the many factors present before reaching a judgement as to how much should be allowable for Fair Wear and Tear. Amongst other things they will consider:
- The quality of the supplied item (and that varies greatly)
- The condition at the start of the tenancy
- The condition at the end of the tenancy
- Any extenuating circumstances
It is important to realise that the Law does not allow for betterment. This means that a landlord can not expect to have old replaced with new at a tenant's expense. A Fair Wear and Tear allowance must be considered.
A tenant has a duty of care to return the property at the end of a tenancy in the same condition, Fair Wear and Tear excepted, as that recorded on the Inventory at the start of their tenancy.
