A dispute at end of the tenancy is something you would want to avoid as a landlord. Nobody likes disputes, especially when it comes to money.
End-of-tenancy disputes can be quite costly and damaging for both landlords and tenants. If there is an issue at the end of your tenancy, it can be helpful to try and resolve it with your tenant before turning to the courts. This can help avoid legal costs, as well as keep things amicable between yourself and your tenant.
Disputes are frustrating, and they take up your time and energy, which means you have less of both to use on other things. They also make it harder to get the deposit back that you worked so hard for, which is why it's important to work out any problems early on so you can avoid getting into a dispute with your tenant at all.
When it comes to cleaning disputes at the end of the tenancy you would want to avoid as a landlord, here are some tips.
Get The Tenancy Agreement Right
Make sure your tenant knows what is expected of them during their tenancy and that you're clear about your expectations. If you do this, then there will be less misunderstanding and fewer disputes when it comes time to clean the property.
Include a clause in the Tenancy Agreement stating that the tenant is responsible for cleaning the property at the end of the tenancy. If certain things need to be cleaned before move-out, this should be outlined clearly in writing so there's no confusion later on about what needs doing when it comes time for move-out day itself.
For example, include a clause such as ‘the tenant is responsible for cleaning the property at the end of the tenancy. In the event that a professional cleaner is required, such as in the case of pet stains or excessive dirtiness, the tenant will be charged an additional fee.’
And you have to make sure that you clearly communicate any changes to the lease agreement in writing so there are no surprises later on down the road.
Deposit
In the event that the tenant leaves the property in an unclean state, the agent/landlord may use the deposit to pay for reasonable cleaning costs.
End of Tenancy Inventory Report
Make sure you have an Inventory Report and an End of Tenancy Report for the property, which will show whether the condition is worse at the end of the tenancy than at the start. Make sure you have an inventory report that accurately describes the cleanliness of each room and area on the property, along with photos. An end-of-tenancy report will show whether the property is less clean at the end than when you took possession of it.
Keep the Documents
It is crucial that you keep all receipts for work done on your property or purchases made. These documents should include the date, a clear breakdown of the services or products used, and an amount charged (or price). If a receipt does not include these details, it may be difficult to prove that you paid for something and need to be reimbursed.
When it comes time to submit your expense report, you will have all of the necessary documentation in order. This will make it much easier for your boss to approve your expenses and reimburse you for them.
Regular Inspection
If you have a regular inspection schedule, you can avoid the stress of having to go through the entire property with a tenant at the end of their stay. It will also give you the opportunity to address any issues early on and ensure that they are resolved before they become more serious.
It is important for the landlord to inspect the property regularly and keep records of their findings, as well as any maintenance that has been carried out. This will help avoid problems when it comes time for the tenant to move out.
Constant Communication
Set up a system for communicating throughout the process so there's no confusion or miscommunication between yourself and your tenant(s). This could include an email mailing list where everyone involved in the cleaning process can sign up, which then sends out regular updates on what has been done and what still needs to be done.
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