Insurance News Archive

Tenant/landlord communication is key

Landlords should make sure they keep up good rapport with tenants in order to avoid a breakdown in the working relationship, an expert has advised.

"Whilst keeping a constant dialogue going you will always be aware of the tenants' situation and this should highlight any possible problems," Paul Shamplina, co-founder of tenant eviction company Landlord Action, told Easier Property.

"The biggest mistake that many landlords make is to rush into a tenancy, not working methodically through the paperwork or checking tenants out thoroughly."

Mr Shamplina advised that checks should typically include talking with ex-landlords and, in the case of house lets or smaller business lets, it can be useful to get copies of identification documents in order to ensure that tenants can be found if they default on payments.

With more and more amateurs entering property management through the buy-to-let housing sector, it seems possible that they could be caught out by bad tenants. Property advisors may want to work towards ensuring that these new owners are well-prepared for the downsides of being a landlord as well as the potential benefits.

19 Mar 2007