April 2024 Question New tenants recently moved into my rental property. As part of the Lease, it was agreed that the tenants would be responsible for cutting the grass, the garden is of medium size. As the weather has become warmer the grass has become overgrown and the property looks messy. I have asked the tenant why the grass has not been cut and they replied that ‘I need to provide them with a Lawnmower’. As a landlord, do I legally have to provide garden equipment such as a lawnmower for the tenants. Response Whilst the landlord is responsible for
Read More

February 2024 Question I recently received an Improvement letter from the Council outlining works that needs to be completed in my rental property following an Inspection. This was the first I heard about any inspection on my property.  On speaking with my tenant, they advised me that they were aware of the Inspection and had received a letter advising them of same. My preference would have been to be in attendance on the day of inspection. I have no problem with conducting the works, however, my question is – can the council conduct an inspection in a rental property without
Read More

January 2024 Question: My tenant has been in occupation for 4.5 years, they contacted me yesterday to advise me that their bedroom is covered in bed bugs. The property is shared with 3 other tenants, none are having the same issue. I have arranged for an inspection at the property to see what is occurring. My question is, whose responsibility is it to remove the bugs if there is an infestation?   Response: When a tenant notices bed bugs, they may call the landlord first.  In all cases, a tenant should notify the landlord as soon as possible, to assess
Read More

17th May 2023 Question 1. Can you get a BER if there is no MPRN on the home? Response 1. Yes, when there is no MPRN for an existing dwelling assessment or a new-final assessment, the BER assessor can submit this form to the BER helpdesk. Just to note, a provisional assessment does not need an MPRN. Question 2. Can you get three separate BERs for three flats with sub meters in the one building, which only has 1 MPRN. Response 2. Yes, dwellings can share an MPRN. The BER assessor records, in the BER assessment, that the MPRN is
Read More

April 2023 Question: Can I use a battery operated Fire Alarms in my rental property? Response: Frighteningly, in as little as 3 minutes a person can die of smoke inhalation. Landlords please be aware of your responsibilities in relation to fire safety and to ensure that your properties are fully compliant with the fire safety standards and regulations applicable to rental properties. Fire alarms should be either mains-wired with a battery back-up or be 10-year self-contained battery operated. With regards to fire safety, landlords must ensure: There is a suitable self-contained fire detection and alarm system in each house. There
Read More

March 2023 Question: I have just conducted a final inspection on my rental property. The tenants have been in situ for three years. My lease agreement specifically states no smoking is permitted in the property. There is significant nicotine damage – burn marks in the sofa and carpet as well as nicotine stains on the wall. Am I within my rights to retain part of the deposit to repair these damages? Response: A property should be left clean and tidy when the tenant leaves, you cannot expect the property to be returned in the exact same condition it was presented
Read More