Checking a rental property (as a tenant/guarantor)

markelock

Hi

We (myself and my wife) are acting as guarantors for a family member, who is renting a property near ourselves.

Already the Estate Agents have made it very clear that their interest is that of the Landlord, and of course, a fee for every possible component of the deal (tenancy agreement, reference fee, pets fee, check-in fee, guarantor fee...)

My question is, does anyone have any advice, or links to advice for a tenant checking the property before signing the paperwork.

I do not expect the Landlord to be present, and would like to make sure everything is recorded correctly (i.e. the carpets aren't new, the front of the property is a mess with weeds etc etc), so nothing ends up being taken from the deposit to pay for new items that aren't justified.

Many Thanks



Mark

booksurr

take lots and lots of photos, date them (include that day's newspaper in the picture?) and mark on them anything which is not perfect. If the agent is not present to counter sign your photos, then consider getting an independent witness to support your statement of the condition of the "stuff" when you viewed it

as guarantor you should be most worried about your relative not paying the rent rather than a few £ of possible damage when they move out. A LL chasing a guarantor for unpaid rent is where your financial exposure is greatest

Pixie5740

The letting agent works on behalf of the landlord so of course their focus is the landlord. The tenants have no contract with the letting agent, the tenant's contract is with the landlord.

A check-in inventory should be carried out before the tenant's move in. It is imperative that the tenants go through the check-in inventory with a finetooth comb marking up any discrepancies and observations of their own before signing it and returning a copy to the LL/LA.

It's also beneficial for the tenants to make their own inventory with photographs.

As booksurr says, as guarantor you should be more concerned with unpaid rent that deposit deductions.

Guest101

markelock wrote: »

Hi

We (myself and my wife) are acting as guarantors for a family member, who is renting a property near ourselves.

Already the Estate Agents have made it very clear that their interest is that of the Landlord - Ofcourse he or she is their client, they are the LLs agent, agency law dictates they MUST act in the interest of the principal (the LL). , and of course, a fee for every possible component of the deal (tenancy agreement, reference fee, pets fee, check-in fee, guarantor fee...) - Seems reasonable.

My question is, does anyone have any advice, or links to advice for a tenant checking the property before signing the paperwork. - Well typically it is accepted that the tenant either signs the check in after taking possession, or returns a copy with-in 7 days.

I do not expect the Landlord to be present, and would like to make sure everything is recorded correctly (i.e. the carpets aren't new, the front of the property is a mess with weeds etc etc), so nothing ends up being taken from the deposit to pay for new items that aren't justified. - Take photos, amend the check in as appropriate.

Many Thanks



Mark

of course you cant do the above, only the legal tenant/

markelock

booksurr wrote: »

take lots and lots of photos, date them (include that day's newspaper in the picture?) and mark on them anything which is not perfect. If the agent is not present to counter sign your photos, then consider getting an independent witness to support your statement of the condition of the "stuff" when you viewed it

as guarantor you should be most worried about your relative not paying the rent rather than a few £ of possible damage when they move out. A LL chasing a guarantor for unpaid rent is where your financial exposure is greatest

Hi

Thanks

Yes, very true. In this instance, the majority of their rent is paid by the local authority (or housing association) however that works, but I believe that can be paid directly to the agents, so that should minimise it.

I guess I could also break their legs in advance just to be sure

Guest101

markelock wrote: »

Hi

Thanks

Yes, very true. In this instance, the majority of their rent is paid by the local authority (or housing association) however that works, but I believe that can be paid directly to the agents, so that should minimise it.

I guess I could also break their legs in advance just to be sure

It gets paid to the applicant, as it should.


Unclear on the leg breaking 'joke'

markelock

Guest101 wrote: »

It gets paid to the applicant, as it should.


Unclear on the leg breaking 'joke'

Its a reference to a joke from the Simpsons.

I was told by the agent that it can be paid directly to the agent, so I will re-check that with them.

Guest101

markelock wrote: »

Its a reference to a joke from the Simpsons.

I was told by the agent that it can be paid directly to the agent, so I will re-check that with them.

It can be, but there's no reason for it to be at present.

booksurr

markelock wrote: »

I was told by the agent that it can be paid directly to the agent, so I will re-check that with them.

the presumption (ie forced change to council procedures) these days is that a benefit applicant is a sane human being who does not need to be nannied. So the default is to pay the money to the claimant so they have the dignity of then managing their own affairs themselves

it can however be paid direct to the LL in 3 ways:
1. the applicant is deemed to be "vulnerable" by the council (ie a dimwit unable to manage their own money so the council does it for them)

2. the applicant has rent arrears and the LL has won direct payment in a court settlement

3. the applicant asks for it to be so. Sane landlords should refuse this because if there is a change to the claim and an overpayment occurs the council recovers it from the LL, leaving the LL to chase the tenant, a tenant with no money of their own - but who does have a guarantor!

I trust your relative does not fall under 1? Tell the agent to go stuff and let your relative have their own dignity.