Choice Rentals - Professional Letting Agents | Page 10

If the tenant fails to pay in a timely fashion, then whilst the cost will be met by you in the
first instance, it can form part of a claim against the deposit at the end of the tenancy.

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Your tenant isresponsiblewhere the drains aremisused. We can usual obtain a
report from the company who have cleared the drain to explain what the issue was.

Who looks after the garden?
Responsibility for maintaining the garden in seasonal order and for clearing patios,
balconies, drains and gutters of fallen leaves will usually be your tenant’sresponsibility.
Most agreements will prohibit them from lopping or destroying trees, plants and shrubs;
however, reasonable pruning is expected.
Whilst we advise tenants to water planters and pots, holding them responsible for any
losses is notoriously difficult. To help avoid problems with large or expensive
installations, especially those on roof terraces, we advise installing an automatic
irrigation system and confirming within the Agreement that your tenant should use it as
instructed.
Where a gardener is included in the rent, the Agreement should clearly confirm the scope
of their involvement.

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Your tenant isusually responsible for general garden maintenance.
Consider installing an automated irrigation system on roof terraces with extensive
planting.

Who looks after the swimming pool and hot tub?
Normally your tenant is responsibility for keeping the water in optimum condition,
including obtaining, paying for and adding chemicals. You are responsible for maintaining
thefilter, pump and associated equipment/ machinery.
With outside pools the cost of commissioning the pool at the start of the season and
decommissioning it at the end is usually your responsibility as landlord.
The Agreement should clearly confirm who is responsible for what so as to avoid any
misunderstanding.

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Ensure yours and your tenants obligations are clear from the outset.

What about infestations?
Most Agreements will make your tenant responsible for infestations such as mice, bed bugs
and other vermin, this based on the premise that an act or omission on their part caused or
contributed to the problem arising.
In many cases, especially when close to the start of thetenancy, uncertainty may arise as
to where responsibility rests. In such cases a degree of compromise is recommended to
maintain a healthy relationship with your tenant.