We have had a lot of experience recently with tenants leaving problems or not discussing rent payments, which has left relationships between Landlord and Tenant in tatters and not resulted in ideal outcomes for either party. To prevent this from happening we urge all tenants to ask for help from their landlord as soon as a problem arises, this will make sure you get the best from your tenancy. Here are some situations where asking for help is the best thing:
- When you are struggling with rent – Your landlord is far more likely to help you if you are honest about why you can’t pay your rent on time and make allowances for staged payments. As soon as you know you are going to struggle, get in contact with your landlord and explain what is going on. OK, a landlord may not be happy about not receiving the money, but they would be happier to know that they are going to receive it. If you aren’t going to be able to afford rent at all then tell them this and look to work with them to break the tenancy, yes you may have to offer up your deposit, but it is a far healthier alternative then going through the courts. Honesty is the best policy in all circumstances to do with late or non-payment of rent.
- When you have a leak – The minute you see an unusual drip, pooling water, dark stains on the ceiling, call your landlord and ask for help. Water damage is awful, for both you and your landlord and trust us, they will be so appreciative of the fact that you have told them as the cost of leaving it far outweighs sending out a contractor to stop a few drips. Also a big build up of water can make a property unsafe through collapsing ceilings or other features of the property, it is also in your best interest to get this resolved too. Remember your landlord doesn’t live there so you can’t expect help without asking for it so just drop your landlord a quick email or text and let them know what is going on.
- When you spot any other building defect – as with water, anything you leave to get worse, will get worse. Don’t leave problems until the last minute. Inform your landlord and give them time to repair it.
- When you want to leave your tenancy early – Everyone comes across personal circumstance sometimes whereby they have to move from where they are living, it’s life. However you cannot just up and leave a property without telling anyone. Get in contact with your landlord and explain you are leaving and then arrange for someone to takeover your place who is as able or more able to pay the rent than you are (basically get them referenced and make sure it is good). This is definitely your responsibility, you signed a contract and you are trying to leave it early, the least you can do is offer a resolution. However it should be quite easy, if you wanted to live there, why wouldn’t someone else. make sure your landlord is updated at every step of the way, therefore you are doing the most reasonable thing.
Asking for help from your landlord and making sure you have a paper trail of communication works in your favour and also ensures you keep a good, honest relationship. We understand that it isn’t always simple to have a great relationship with your landlord, but try. The more willing you are the better it reflects on you. If the worst comes to the worst, and you do end up having to court then you can show that you have been reasonable and that will work in your favour. However, most landlords that we have come across are really nice people who honestly want you to get the best out of their house, therefore asking for help and honesty will go a long way to making sure you get the most out of your tenancy.
If you need any help at all with renting then do not hesitate to get in contact with NC Real Estate or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get more tips and tricks on all aspects of property.
NC
