Tips and advice on dealing with Landlords, Deposits and Inspections etc;

RachaelVO

Note to Mods: If this has been done before please add to that particular thread, I just couldn't find anything

I've been occasionally posting different bits and pieces in Accommodation & Property, mostly to do with deposits, inspections etc; Now I'm not an expert or a legal eagle, but... I worked for a property management company many years ago, and even though they don't exist anymore they were very reputable, and to be fair to them, when a place was trashed, they usually only took the costs from the deposit and repaid the balance. So I thought it might be a good idea to put some tips together that renters and Landlords can use. Lets face it not all landlords are evil money grabbing louts, and not all tenants are angels either. If you can think of anything else, please add, as this is not an exclusive or complete list

1. Do an inventory the minute you collect the keys, compare it to the inventory the landlord SHOULD have given you. If he hasn't given you one, when you do take one give him a copy, sign it and get him to sign your copy

2. This is a bit of commonsense. During your tenancy, have a little bit of consideration for the fact, that though it is currently your home, the building and furnishings (if furnished) are not your property and should be treated with respect.

3. Ensure that the property is registered with the PRTB (Private Residential Tenancies Board). Make sure that they know you're living there and the duration of your lease/tenancy. If you're a landlord, ensure you have the property registered with them, you are obliged to and you can be fined very heavily if you don't!

4. Landlords are entitled to inspect the property. HOWEVER, you have to agree a time and date. Your landlord is NOT entitled to carry out the inspection when you are not present or without your approval. If they do it without your approval it can be considered illegal entry. When the inspection is carried out BE THERE. Don't leave it to a friend or family member.

5. If there are any issues, ensure that you email or write to your landlord as well as calling. You need to ensure that you have ample back up should you need it. It also means that everyone knows where they stand at all times. Get a notebook or refill pad, and ensure that you don't take pages out of it, and keep a record of all contact you had with your landlord. Keep this consecutive with times, dates and details of your conversations or correspondence (don't forget to keep all the correspondence, whether txt, email or letter).

6. Remember, unless it's by prior agreement, you CANNNOT use your deposit as you last months rent. Firstly it's illegal, and it can cost you more in the long run, secondly if you do it without agreement you will do nothing but p1ss your landlord off and if you are continuing to rent it will scupper you chances at getting a reference.

7. When you give your notice to quit your tenancy, arrange a time and date with the landlord for the final inspection, and BE THERE FOR IT!!! This means any issues that the landlord has with the condition of the property can be tackled head on.

8. Ask at the final inspection when you'll get your deposit back. If the landlord refuses to give you your deposit back at that time, WRITE DOWN WHY, right when you're with him/her take pictures of the "offense" and include in that that you disagree and will be making enquiries into the legality of the landlords position. If he/she refuses to sign, make a copy of the list and send it to them registered post.

9. Take pictures!!! Nearly everyone has a digital camera or a camera phone, so use it. Remember taking proper pictures is pretty irrefutable evidence. Take pictures when you move in, and comparison pictures for when you move out.

10. Ask in advance what the landlord will consider general wear and tear. As a tenant you are NOT responsible for that. That is part of the "risk" the landlord takes when he/she lets their property. So putting a hole in door or walls is NOT reasonable wear and tear. However worn carpets/rugs, faded paint work, scuffed walls are!