New Landlords make these Five Common Mistakes
It is inevitable that as a new landlord you may make some mistakes as you venture into your new career. Here are five common ones that landlords make, and how best to avoid them.
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1. Not Protecting the Tenant’s Deposit
Forgetting to protect your tenant’s deposit is an easy mistake to make but can
be extremely expensive. Under the Housing Act of
2004, each deposit in the UK must be protected within one of the three
government schemes. This must be completed within 30 days and Prescribed
Information must be issued. If you forget or it is not completed properly, you
will be ordered to pay three times the deposit to the tenant in compensation.
2. Not buying quality products
If your a landlord and your in it for the long term you will want to
make sure you buy quality products that will last. These will be things like using a
Conservatories Gloucester company found at likes such as firmfix.co.uk/conservatories/ to
build an extension onto the end of the home to create an extra space which can
be used for a dining room, living room area or even a hobby room for working
out.
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3. Too Many Decorative Touches
Many landlords tend to treat their rental properties like their own homes
and lavish money on expensive fittings and fixtures, artwork and furnishings.
Not only is it a waste of money and much-needed profit, but it may put
potential tenants off – they will prefer a more neutral empty space to work
with and make their own.
4. Becoming Too Close to Tenants
Many landlords fall into the trap of becoming too friendly with their tenants
and almost becoming new best friends! This can prove difficult if they need to get
tough when problems with tenants occur. We all hate chasing a friend for money
– imagine chasing a tenant for rent if you have become too friendly.
It is best to be polite and friendly, but keep it strictly professional.
5. Not Conducting Regular Inspections
Once your new tenants are settled and paying rent regularly on time, it may be
tempting to think your job is complete. However, it pays to keep an eye on your
investment.
There are plenty of scary stories, and routine inspections reassure you that
your investment is safe. Carry out an inspection every six months.
