Frequently asked questions

Q. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LAWNS AND GARDENS?

Normally the tenant will be responsible for maintaining the lawns and gardens. However, if there is a set of flats with common ground, the landlord will normally be responsible. In some cases landlords may choose to include the cost of mowing the lawns in the rent.

Q.WHAT ABOUT CLEANING OUT THE GUTTERS?

The landlord is responsible.

Q.WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHIMNEY SWEEPING?

The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the chimney is clean and swept at the start of the tenancy.

Q.CAN LANDLORDS HOLD A TENANT’S GOODS FOR NON-PAYMENT?

No. The only person who can seize goods for non-payment is a bailiff of the Court. Landlords cannot seize a tenant’s goods for any reason.

Q.HOW OFTEN CAN THE RENT BE RAISED?

For both fixed-term and periodic tenancies, rent can be increased 12 months after the date the tenancy started or provided the increase is not within 12 months from when the last increase took effect. For fixed-term tenancies, rent can only increase if the tenancy agreement allows this. 

Q. HOW CLEAN DOES A TENANT HAVE TO LEAVE THE HOUSE?

This is often a source of contention, as different people have different standards. The law says a tenant must leave a house or flat reasonably clean and tidy, so the question is one of interpreting what is reasonable in each case.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF TENANTS LEAVE WITHOUT GIVING NOTICE?

If the landlord finds the tenancy abandoned, he or she must apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a possession order before re-letting the property. 

Q. DOES THE LANDLORD HAVE TO GIVE NOTICE THAT HE/SHE IS COMING AROUND?

Anyone can come and knock on the door, including the landlord, and notice is not required to do this. However, notice is required for the landlord to be able to step over the threshold into the house.

Q. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT NOISY NEIGHBOURS?

A neighbour cannot use the Tenancy Tribunal themselves. However, they can approach the noisy tenant’s landlord and ask them to sort it out. The landlord can give a tenant a 14-day Notice to Remedy. If the problem continues, the landlord can apply to end the tenancy through the Tenancy Tribunal. Alternatively, some areas have Noise Control Officers employed by the Local Council, or the Police can be called.

Q. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PRUNING TREES & CUTTING HEDGES?

The landlord is responsible for these, as this is maintenance.

Q. WHAT IS A CASUAL LETTING SERVICE?

Casual letting is very different to the full management service.Upon receiving your Authority and payment of fee, we will

  • List the property on our Website and Facebook pages.
  • Introduce potential tenants to your property.
  • Screen the applicants and complete a credit and background check.
  • Draw up a tenancy agreement on your behalf and have both the tenant and property owner sign this. 
  • Collect the bond and first week’s rent.
  • Lodge the bond and forward the rent to you.

From then on it is your responsibility to liaise with the tenant regarding ongoing rental payments, future property inspections and any maintenance issues.

Please refer to our Services and Feespage for further details.