Newsletter No. 4 (August 2001)

Tenancy Check List:

Most of you will have received a small note regarding the new tenancy
check list.  Please note that this is only a guide and you are free
to adapt it in anyway you wish.  If any of you would like it emailed
to you, please let us know and we will do so.  Otherwise you can
highlight the part you want and print it of from the web.

Other articles:

We write articles that we believe you will find useful.  However,
if you have a particular subject in mind, please do not hesitate to ask
and we will try and fulfill your wish.

It is wise to have the property professionally cleaned.  Once this
has been done the tenants should have it cleaned at the end of the
tenancy.  In our agreement there is a clause stating that the
property must be left not only in the condition it was in when the tenancy
commenced, but that it must be professionally cleaned upon the termination
of the tenancy.  Therefore in an ideal world, you will only have to
have the property cleaned once and should the tenants fail to have it
professionally cleaned upon their departure then you can have it done at
their expense by deducting the monies from the deposit.  this of
course brings up the issue of what if the tenants say they have had it
cleaned but the property is not in as good as condition as when you let it
to them a year ago.  Bear in mind that the tenant can produce an
invoice confirming that the property has been cleaned
professionally.  Hence the importance of having a professional
inventory carried out.  The inventory is carried out by a third party
who although paid by you or the tenant is actually independent of both
parties.  The inventory will prove to the courts if necessary about
the condition of the property at the beginning of the tenancy and at the
end.  More later.