Typical…

Do you know the joke about the carpenter and his home where the shelves fall off the walls? Apparently this applies to more than just carpenters.

I tell this my tenants every time when there something broken in their residency. “Don’t try and fix it yourself, just notify me so I can arrange the handy man. He knows exactly what to do. You don’t want lose your deposit, right?”  

and this is what I did myself…

A few months ago the lock to my front door was broken. So what did I do? I got a screw driver and tried to repair it myself. Of course it didn’t work. At all. And I got frustrated. And then it hit me: what was I doing? I have a handy man! I gave him a call, he arrived the same day and fixed my front door within the hour. I felt stupid for trying to do it myself. I did exactly the thing I tell my tenants not to do. “Let a professional repair things, so much easier!”
I have a whole list of tips by the way. These are some of them I tell my tenants to do or not to do:

Do: Be gentle with your rental

The general rule of being a 'good household manager' (or mother/father/caretaker/you name it) is a legal principle that assumes you act responsibly and do everything necessary to prevent damage or more wear than normal. Keep in mind that the home is temporarily yours, and you are obligated to return it in the same condition it was delivered to you at a certain moment. A landlord expects the property to be returned in the expected condition; otherwise, potential cleaning or repair costs may be deducted from the security deposit.

Do: Make the House Your Home

Just because it's a rental property doesn't mean you should feel like a guest all the time. Decorate your home comfortably and to your taste. Seek inspiration from magazines, stores, and online platforms, choosing a style that suits you and complements the authenticity of your rental property. Pinterest is an excellent search engine for interior, style, and DIY inspiration.

However, be cautious! You can paint the walls, but you might be expected to repaint them in the original or neutral colour upon departure. Hanging a painting or photo? Avoid making holes in the walls and opt for a hanging system. Nowadays, there are various options to attach hooks to walls without drilling or using nails, such as self-adhesive power strips. Just type 'Hanging without drilling' into Google.

If you have a balcony or garden, nothing beats placing pots and plants in spring, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the summer. The maintenance of these outdoor spaces is also the responsibility of the tenant.

Don't: Major Renovations

Do you want to make structural changes? Remove a wall? Change the kitchen or bathroom? Install a new floor? This is not allowed without the owner/manager's permission. This doesn't mean it's impossible. You might come up with an even better plan together with the landlord, and you might even split the costs. It pays off to have a conversation.

Do: Roll Up Your Sleeves

As a tenant, you are responsible for minor maintenance. This includes replacing a light bulb or the battery of a smoke alarm, fixing a leaky faucet, or simply unclogging the sink. If larger problems like leaks arise or, as in my example, the lock on your front door is broken, contact the owner/manager of your rental property immediately. If you're unsure whether the issue is your responsibility or not, when in doubt, it's always better to contact and inquire!

Don't: Disturbance

As a proud new tenant, you undoubtedly want to throw a housewarming party so all your friends can admire your new place. And when it's your birthday, Christmas, or when the sun finally shines again, it's a reason to celebrate. Go for it! Tip: Let your neighbours know about your party or, even better, invite them (then they can't complain), and don't make it too loud. Ensure you turn off the music at a reasonable time, and don't let your friends linger on the street unnecessarily.

This is not only wise from a social perspective. If disturbances and complaints occur too frequently, the owner can initiate a procedure to terminate the lease agreement. And then, suddenly, it becomes a very expensive and bitter party.

Don't: Subletting

I can't imagine that, after furnishing and taking care of your home and looking forward to fun parties, you'd want to leave your space. But if you're thinking of subletting, know this: it is prohibited in most rental properties to sublet your home or even offer it on Airbnb. It might even be a reason for the owner to terminate the contract prematurely! Therefore, read the conditions specified in the lease agreement carefully.

Do: Pay On Time

A no-brainer, but still. Just transfer the rent every month. Of course, you may find yourself facing financial problems. That can happen to anyone. Therefore, do not be ashamed and contact the owner/manager. Have a conversation and explain your situation. You will see that there is usually an arrangement to be made or that another solution can be found. Saying nothing only makes the problems bigger, so that's an absolute don't!

Print it Out and Hang it Up!

The above tips apply to every tenant, even if you are not (yet) a client of mine. Make the most of it and print it out and hang it on your fridge (or above your bed)! I might print it out and hang it above my desk. A little reminder can't hurt.

Not a client at HouseScout, but curious? Then request a free introductory meeting!