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The power balance between landlord and tenant frequently feels unequal on both sides. While the tenant can withhold their rent and not look after the property properly, they do so at risk of eviction. On the other hand, a landlord wanting to evict a tenant usually faces an expensive and lengthy legal process, which is often conducted when they're not receiving rent for the property.

Ultimately and ideally, the interests of tenant and landlord will coincide. With that in mind, let's examine ten of the questions a prospective tenant is most likely to want to ask a landlord - but which they won't necessarily voice for fear of being passed over in favour of an another "easier" tenant.

 

1. Who will be my main point of contact?

Knowing who to contact, especially in an emergency, is a key question for anyone. A tenant is clearly in a different position from a homeowner. When the boiler breaks, who should the tenant call? If there's a managing agent, it will usually be them - but the tenant will still need a name, a contact phone number and, ideally, an out-of-hours emergency contact number, too. If the landlord themselves is the main contact, again, this needs specifying and contact details providing. It may also be worth setting out when the managing agent / landlord prefer to be contacted and by what method in a non-emergency situation.

 

2. Can I redecorate?

Though they're not on the deeds, a rental property is the tenant's home for however long they live there. Quite understandably, many tenants want to redecorate while they're there. Some landlords are happy to allow this, although they may want to approve décor choices and / or to stipulate that the property is returned to its original condition at the end of the tenancy. In some cases, the landlord may decide to pay for the materials and work involved, perhaps to retain control over proceedings. A landlord who's reluctant to allow redecoration might consider the long-term prospects of the property. For example, if a sale is on the cards at some point, well-cared for places tend to sell faster and often fetch higher sold property prices.

 

3. Do you allow pets?

This is a tricky one. When rental properties are scarce and would-be tenants outnumber available lets (as is the case in much of the country currently), people with pets have even fewer choices. Many landlords are highly reluctant to rent properties to pet owners, fearing long-term damage that will cost time and money to put right at the end of the tenancy. On the other hand, if properties outnumber tenants, it may be in a landlord's interest to allow pets. Equally, a prospective tenant with good references (perhaps including references for the pet) who's prepared to pay a higher deposit to offset any possible pet-related damage can be a good prospect for a landlord.

 

4. When do you anticipate raising the rent?

The tenancy agreement should stipulate when and how rent is reviewed, but despite this, many tenants live in fear of rent rises. There's clear evidence to indicate that rising numbers of renters are finding themselves homeless as a result of rent increases that they can't afford. Of course, the flip side of this is a landlord who may be facing big mortgage payment increases as a consequence of interest rate rises. There's no easy answer to any of this, but good, clear communication is always a good starting point. Plus, of course, a landlord should remember that the law usually only permits a single annual rent rise for a periodic tenancy. In addition, they must adhere to statutory minimum notice periods (one month for a weekly or monthly tenancy and six months for a yearly one) and must ensure that any rent increase is fair and reasonable, which means it is in line with other local rents. Finally, any increase that is higher than a sum previously agreed with the tenant requires obta

ining the tenant's permission.

 

5. What's included with the property, and will you remove anything I don't want?

Rental properties come fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished. It's imperative that both parties know what to expect. Similarly, the landlord should ensure that they insure any furnishings belonging to them and make a careful inventory of the contents of the property at the outset of the tenancy.

 

6. Does the rent include bills? What about the maintenance of outside space?

Some rentals include all bills, including council tax and the cost of maintaining any outside space. Others might include some bills, but in most tenancies, the tenant assumes responsibility for all bills. Again, clarity is essential before the tenancy agreement is signed.

 

7. Do you have plans for the property? For example, letting it out to family or moving in yourself.

A tenant looking for a short-term home for a few months is much less likely to be bothered by this question than, say, a family with children or a retired person. A landlord, of course, may not want to disclose potential future plans, perhaps from fear of deterring a tenant. However, perhaps more than anything, this situation illustrates that power imbalance. Honesty is always the best policy, even if that means telling a tenant that you plan to sell as soon as sold property prices suggest that it's a good time to do so. Giving the tenant plenty of warning allows them time to make alternative plans and reduces the risk of the landlord needing to commence eviction proceedings.

 

8. What is the property's energy efficiency like?

The law is tightening around the energy efficiency of rental properties. This is driven both by environmental concerns and the need to ensure that bills are as low as possible and as predictable as they can be for tenants.

 

9. What are the neighbours like?

This isn't always an easy question for a landlord. Sometimes, they genuinely won't know the answer. In other circumstances, they may prefer not to be candid. However, yet again, honesty usually wins out. A tenant who's surprised, in a negative way, by their new neighbours is likely to make more complaints to their landlord and to move on from the property sooner.

 

10. Have the electrics and gas been checked recently?

Again, these are matters governed by law and breaching the regulations is a serious matter. Any landlord should expect to be asked about the safety of the property and should be able to give the right, reassuring answers.

 

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