Five Common Mistakes Landlords Make and How to Avoid Them

Dilapitation refers to the tenant's responsibility for property maintenance. After taking leave of a property, a tenant must maintain it or deliver it to the landlord in its condition. A properly maintained property helps to maintain a good relationship between the landlord and the tenant. If a tenant fails to obey his dilapidation responsibilities properly, legal action may be taken against him. At some point, the tenant may have to pay financial compensation.

On the other hand, landlords are also responsible for caring for the property. If landlords fail to conduct regular inspections of the property correctly, leave it in a state of disrepair, and expect the tenants to repair it, conflicting situations arise. Hence, it becomes essential to seek advice from professionals. Professional dilapidation surveyors can help landlords avoid mistakes. Let's focus on some of the errors that landlords should avoid.

The Top 5 Mistakes Landlords Commonly Make

1. Neglecting a Schedule of Condition

If a landlord neglects the schedule of conditions for the property and leaves it in disrepair, it can cause future conflict. The landlord might lease the property to tenants and expect them to repair it. However, the tenant is not responsible for repairing damages previously there. It can lead to a dispute between the landlord and the tenants. It may cause both parties to lose money.

2. Failing to Conduct Regular Inspections

A common mistake landlords make is not regularly inspecting the property. A proper inspection helps identify any possible issues or damages to the property. As a landlord, you can also take early measures to repair such damages. Suppose you have not maintained the property before leasing it to someone, and after the lease term ends, the tenant refuses to pay you for the damages he may have caused. In such a case, you would not have illegal grounds to claim for financial compensation.

3. Underestimating Legal Obligations

Landlords in the UK may often ignore legal guidelines regarding dilapidation claims. As per the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927, Section 18 (1), a landlord cannot claim more than the repair cost from a tenant. The law also suggests that a landlord cannot demand the dilapidation cost if he intends to demolish the building after the tenancy. If landlords ignore such legal guidelines, the situation between the tenant and the landlord can become complicated.

4. Ignoring Proper Maintenance

During Tenancy If you are a landlord and do not properly maintain your property, it can reduce value. When you lease your property, you cannot claim a higher value for disrepair from your tenants.

5. Attempting to Handle Dilapidations Without Expert Advice

Another common mistake you can make as a landlord regarding dilapidation is not consulting an expert. A dilapidation claim is not considered valid in a court of law without a professional surveyor. Besides, you cannot properly evaluate the cost of disrepair without the help of a professional dilapidation surveyor.

Why should I consider professional dilapidation advice?

Dilapidation surveyors in the UK follow the guidelines of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors when surveying a property or preparing a schedule of dilapidation. They ensure a proper and error-free preparation of the dilapidation survey. As a landlord, if you take professional help to make a dilapidation claim or survey the property, it becomes a reliable measure for the tenants and the court. Professional surveyors can adequately assess the property's damage cost and serve a dilapidation schedule to the tenants. They can also negotiate claims with the tenant and help you save money for legal proceedings.

Conclusion

As a landlord, you must be mindful of the mistakes regarding maintaining your property. If you do not make it your responsibility to protect the value of your property using regular examinations and surveys by professionals, you will lose property value. A professional dilapidation surveyor can also help you demand the appropriate dilapidation claim for your property. If you want to protect the value of your property and claim reasonable financial compensation from tenants, look for professional dilapidation advice. For dilapidation repair and inspection services, contact Dilapidation Contractors today! We provide unbiased service to tenants and landlords regarding dilapidation repair and maintenance.