The importance of protecting yourself as a tenant
There are over 5 million people privately renting in the UK today and that figure is predicted to rise to over 7 million by 2025. Whilst the housing crisis is a major factor to that rising number there are other factors that are leading us towards a rental society among young adults. These include the convenience and ease at which one can move from property to property depending on their socio-economic conditions at the time including income and distance from their place of work.
Whilst renting can be viewed as being hassle free in many areas, there can be pitfalls that impact a tenant as they plan to move to a different property. During this article we will look at how tenants can protect themselves.
Check-in & Check-out Reports and Inventories
When moving into a property it is highly advisable to spend a good amount of time, thoroughly checking the property against the inventory and condition report.
Following these two main tips will aid in any future tenancy deposit dispute.
- When it comes to successfully getting your deposit back in full, the first step is to make sure any damage, significant wear and tear and other items of the poor condition are recorded and counter-signed by the agent or landlord.
- Take comprehensive photos of all these areas of concern and the rest of the property and grounds you are responsible for as part of your agreement.
- Understand what your responsibilities are when it comes to maintaining the condition of the property. For example, many properties have garden areas. It is advisable to know the expectations upon handing the property back to the agent/landlord. Take photographs of the current condition
- Keep evidence of any items or services you paid for in the upkeep of your rental property. Whilst you should never need to act on behalf of the landlord/agent, if you do pay for anything then document it and keep the receipts.
Tenancy deposit dispute advice
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) is a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme in England and Wales operated by The Dispute Service Ltd. The Housing Act 2004 requires landlords and letting agents to protect deposits on assured shorthold tenancies in a scheme such as this. Insurance-backed tenancy deposit protection is available through most reputable agents with free, impartial dispute resolution for when disagreements arise over how the money is divided.
Click here for more information on renting with the security of a TDS deposit scheme.
What insurance does a tenant need?
The responsible for insuring personal contents falls on the tenant, irrespective of the furniture and fixtures the landlord provides as part of your rentals agreement. A landlord will be responsible for any buildings insurance and any contents insurance for the items included in the tenancy agreement. The landlord should also be responsible for any home emergency cover policy in place.
What is Tenants Liability Insurance?
This is cover against accidental damage to your landlord’s fixtures, fittings, and any contents; within the property that you are liable for under the terms of your tenancy agreement. In the event that you accidentally damage your landlord’s property, you have the policy to be able to claim against, up to the value of cover you select.
Examples of accidental damage where you would claim against Tenants Liability insurance
- Broken window
- Broken banister
- Cracked basin/toilet
- Carpet spillage
- Smashed/broken oven hob
- Hole in wall/ceiling
- Ripped pipework