It is far better to prevent a problem from arising than to deal with an issue after it has occurred. This is as true for the letting sector as it is for any other industry. However, there is a lot to be said for being proactive in the rental market.
Spotting leaks early and preventing problems is crucial. Being proactive saves money, it saves a lot of time and effort, and ultimately, it will make tenants happier. In the long-term, a proactive approach should reduce void periods and hopefully generate more rental income for a landlord.
Be proactive in looking for problems
Landlords can create a positive culture around spotting leaks and reporting problems. Regular inspections are crucial for landlords and will make a massive difference in maintaining an excellent standard around the property.
Warning signs landlords should be aware of include:
- Water stains on walls and ceilings, especially for rooms located beneath bathrooms
- Mould spores around the home, and you should pay close attention to corners, windows, bath sealant, grouting and curtains
- Water damage on skirting or flooring
- Flaking or rotting on exterior and interior window frames
- Vermin infestation
- A poor standard of general condition of the external space of the property
- Water dripping from gutters
Tenants should be advised to look out for these issues and to report prospective problems to the landlord, but this doesn’t always happen. Not every tenant is proactive in maintaining the standard of the rental property, which is why landlords must take it upon themselves to manage their rental property to a high standard.
Viewings in 2020
There is no denying 2020 has been a challenging year for many landlords. It might be that you have been unable to undertake as many property viewings as you would generally like. However, this is no excuse for not ensuring your rental property is reviewed regularly.
Video calls are better than nothing when it comes to reviewing a rental property. Also, landlords should try to find a time or solution that allows them to review the rental property. This is something that should be in the rental agreement, and most tenants will try to assist in this matter.
We appreciate this sounds like a challenging task for many landlords. At Just Lets Peterborough, we offer a range of services, including property management services. If you would like assistance in managing your rental property, we are more than happy to assist you.
If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property or tax requirements, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.
You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.
