When my mother offers me something to eat and I tell her I don’t like it, her reaction is always: “Why not?” I can, of course, say that it’s just not to my taste, but she won’t accept that. If she likes something, it is good. Nevertheless, tastes do vary from person to person. I see this in my work as a real estate agent, every single time. And whether you prefer a nearly empty, white-toned Jan de Bouvrie interior or have trinkets on every surface, as a landlord, you need to understand something else as well: ‘Values and norms differ too’.
Where there is life, accidents happen
As a landlord, you often do everything to make your property as attractive as possible for your tenants. It can really hurt when it turns out that things got damaged during the rental period. HouseScout does everything in advance to find tenants who suit you. This often provides some guarantee regarding the care with which they treat the space and the items you have carefully selected.
However, it remains necessary that, as a property owner, you understand that your living space exists primarily for a tenant to live in. And where there is life, accidents happen. And precisely because you are dealing with like-minded people through us, any accidents can be discussed. A solution can be found, and a proper financial settlement can be reached.
HouseScout facilitates a good conversation
This is what I like to see the most: that people can simply talk to each other. That a tenant understands that when they damage something in the house, they must compensate for it. That a landlord understands that such things can happen and doesn't immediately threaten to withhold the deposit or take legal action. HouseScout is happy to facilitate this mutual understanding with a correct and complete contract. By agreeing and documenting certain matters in advance, the conversation becomes much easier. This starts with recording the expectation of compensation for damages, but also which party is responsible for which damage, and the conditions under which damage affects the deposit payout or legal steps.
I’ve experienced a lot, but not this!
It’s nice when you can still look each other in the eye. Necessary when that's not the case. As previously mentioned: tastes differ just like people’s norms and values. This can lead to problematic situations. A tenant indeed lived in the property in question. And it showed. The nicely painted walls were now marked with various spots and stains. The once neat apartment had become a filthy mess.
On top of that, the tenant still wanted his deposit back. Because according to him, he had cleaned for three days, so it was all fine.
The importance of a good contract
At such moments, you understand the importance of a good conversation. HouseScout supports its landlords even then. As a mediator, I consulted with the tenant. After all, he had signed a contract clearly outlining the responsibilities of both landlord and tenant, as well as an inspection report agreeing that costs would be incurred to restore the property into good condition. Unfortunately, the tenant suddenly wanted nothing to do with it and claimed he did not agree with how the contract and inspection report were drawn up. Unfortunate for this tenant, because once signed, a contract is binding. Of course, you can object to items in the rental contract, but before you agree and sign it. There are several opportunities to do this officially. After signing, and especially after making a mess, is absolutely not such a moment. In this case, the tenant must cover the cleaning and repair costs through deduction from the deposit.
Want to know more about the contractual side of renting out your property? Or are you in a similar situation and need some advice? Feel free to contact me. HouseScout is here for you.