tenant

Photo source: EUGDPR https://bit.ly/2GZg6TZ

GDPR is an acronym for General Data Protection Regulation and it is one of EU’s measures to ensure that an individual data is well protected by companies. The GDPR takes action starting these days and it might affect you more than you think.

First of all, if you are a real estate operator, you should be implementing GDPR concerning your customers. Private data are no longer at anybody’s disposal and security measures are a must. Otherwise, you – as a company, or as an individual, are facing high penalties.

Secondly, if you’re a buyer/ a landlord/ a tenant or any individual interested in a property, most probably your data is already at multiple real estate operators. You have to make sure your data protection rights are respected. But first you have to know them…

GDPR – How will it affect the property sector?

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Unless you’re an experienced renter, moving can actually get you in a spot of bother unless you follow the correct protocol. A wrong move can result in unexpected fees, fines and even a driving penalty. Here’s our checklist to help you avoid the worst when moving out of a rental flat.

Photo source: https://bit.ly/2IGxL8P

Inform the right people

There is a long list of institutions to tell that you’re moving, including your employer, your bank, your credit card providers, utility providers and the council.

And then there’s the DVLA, which can often be the forgetful one. Whilst you’re not changing cars, you are changing address, so if you get an unfortunate driving offence, the DVLA will write to your old address and if they don’t get receive a timely response, it can get bad quickly.

Change your postal address

It may be worth investing in the mail redirection service from Royal Mail – charges begin from £33.99 for three months and it takes just 5 days to organise. You can apply online or at your local post office from 3 months before to 6 months after you move.

Don’t forget to clean

According to the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), poor cleaning makes up over half the deductions from tenants’ deposits.

The best way to avoid this from happening is to pay for a good end-of-tenancy clean. This may even be a requirement in your contract so be sure to double check.

And when they’ve finished, take plenty of clear photos of their work so if issues do arise, it’ll be easier to dispute it with the cleaning company instead of letting it affect your deposit. If you can, send the same photos to your landlord. Remember that your aim is to return the flat how you found it.

Worried about being charged for pre-existing issues? Resend your check-in photos to your landlord to remind them of the properties condition when you first moved in.

Know about wear and tear

Landlords aren’t allowed to subtract money for ‘reasonable wear and tear’. Examples include worn carpeting, loose wallpaper and faded curtains or drapes.

Also, if you’ve lived in a property for several years, the landlord should expect the property to be more worn than one that’s been occupied for a short period of time (six months and under).

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Photo source: https://bit.ly/2I0RNqW

Animal lovers change habits on the lettings market. Since this is a growing characteristic of tenants that choose long-term solutions, landlords are starting to be more flexible.

Latest study suggest that ‘Lets with Pets are the Homes of the Future’, how Property Reporter puts it.

And it’s easy to see why people are more considerate and loving towards animals. Any animal lover/ owner knows the first-hand benefit of pets: lowering the stress level. Dogs, cats, or fish – name your animal friend, have the power to make us feel more relaxed after work. Knowing we’ll find them at home when we arrive, practically makes the home more welcoming.

If your landlord doesn’t want to be as flexible as the new-age landlords you have two solutions:

  1. Choose one that allows pets.
  2. Try to make him change his mind.

You can start with the argument above, and find more inspiration to be persuasive in the following article:

How to Convince Your Landlord to Allow Pets

Are you an animal owner? How did you convince your landlords to rent their houses?

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Brilliant – you have found a property to rent! Whether you’re renting for the first time, or already an experienced tenant, you need to ensure you understand your responsibilities.  Being aware from the outset of what is expected of you can prevent confusion and issues further down the line.  So, what exactly are your responsibilities?

Financial

It may sound obvious, but one of your key financial responsibilities is to ensure that you pay your rent in full and on time every month.  Depending on your tenancy agreement, you may also be responsible for all the utility costs and council tax associated with the property.  It may be worth getting an estimate of such costs prior to signing the tenancy agreement so that you can truly understand your long-term financial commitment.

Upkeep

Although you may not own the property, you are the custodian while it is in your care.  This means it’s your responsibility to ensure that the property is maintained, so you need to inform your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible should something require repair.

Although your landlord is required to ensure repairs are undertaken swiftly, the upkeep of the property is very much in your hands.  From changing light bulbs to keeping the garden in good condition, you need to ensure that you take good care of it.

Cleaning

Everyone lives differently, but no matter what your lifestyle it is essential that you keep the property clean and tidy at all times.  This is even more important when it comes to the end of your tenancy, as the property needs to be left spotless; from the fridge to the bathroom, it all needs to be clean. If you fail to keep and leave your property clean and tidy the landlord is entitled to deduct money from your deposit and we know that’s the last thing you would want to happen.

Subletting

Subletting is not allowed during your tenancy unless you have a prior agreement with your landlord or letting agent.  If you’re considering subletting, we strongly advise that you speak to your letting agent as soon as possible so that an open and frank discussion can be had and a decision made.  There’s no guarantee that your landlord will agree to subletting, but if you proceed without their approval you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement.

Access

Your landlord may wish to undertake periodic checks on their property, and you must allow them access.  These checks could be to plan long-term repairs, or checking on works that may have been undertaken prior to your tenancy. It’s always beneficial to be on good terms with your landlord, and one way to nurture a positive relationship is to be flexible when they request access.

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