In a recent survey, 57% of NLA members said that unreliable tenants are one of the most worrying aspects of being a landlord. This figure came second only to government regulation, which is the overarching concern for 62% of landlords.
David Salusbury, Chairman of the NLA comments: “As a landlord of long standing myself, I am aware that tenant problems can be a major headache. For example, anti-social behaviour, which can include making excessive noise or otherwise causing a nuisance to the local community, can lead to complaints from neighbours. Landlords are keen to make sure that their tenants behave as ‘good citizens’ and will do their best to put a stop to it.”
He continues: “Other problems can seriously affect the fabric and condition of the property, and the landlord’s ability to maintain the quality and security of the property, and secure further tenancies in the future. Damage to the premises, its fixtures and contents, bathroom and kitchen fittings, creates hassle for landlords as well as significant additional expense, especially when it goes beyond what is covered by the tenant’s deposit.”
“Last but not least comes non-payment or late payment of rents or utility bills, which is the most common reason why landlords are sometimes forced to apply to the courts for possession of their property.”
Indeed, the NLA’s survey found that 36% of landlords have, at some point in the past, been obliged to resort to the courts to seek possession of a property from a troublesome tenant.
David Salusbury adds: “The introduction of further regulation only adds to landlords’ worries and we believe is unlikely to achieve its aim of helping the vulnerable. Private landlords play a key role in helping to accommodate many people who otherwise would have difficulty finding a roof over their heads, or, to be blunt, neither the public or social sectors will house. It’s not just about tenants’ rights - landlords have rights too, and if those rights are not respected, landlords will simply question whether it is worthwhile continuing to invest in rental properties.”
One way for landlords to alleviate these concerns over unreliable tenants is to reduce the risk of taking them on in the first place. In the NLA survey, the most frequently mentioned new initiative to help landlords was the development of a comprehensive register of defaulting or bad tenants and a more reliable means of referencing tenants.
Such support networks are vital for landlords who mostly operate on their own. 64% of NLA members said that the member benefit they feel is the most important is the NLA advice line which provides them with access to individuals experienced in the private-rented sector.
David Salusbury continues:
For the most part tenants are respectable people who pay their rent and look after the property. Inevitably, however, there are the occasional rogues who can cause landlords a great deal of aggravation and stress. In such instances the NLA can provide members with support and advice on how best to tackle the difficult issues that may arise.”
