The cost of living crisis is biting hard. It’s gripping the nation and refusing to let up the hold. For many people in rented accommodation, they are facing worry due to changes in their agreements. Whilst everyone is feeling the impact of this national issue, there are things that landlords can do to make it easier n those people who are renting their properties. Let’s have a look at 5 ways landlords can make life easier for tenants in the cost of living crisis.
Keep Lines Of Communication Open & Honest
Firstly, lines of communication need to be kept open and honest. We all know the dire situation that many people are in financially. However, burying heads in the sand will not solve this. If the texts between landlord and renter can continue, everyone knows where they stand. Everyone needs to remain calm too. If the resident is struggling and might be unable to pay the rent right now, banging on the door of the property will not help. Some empathy needs to be had. From both sides though, because landlords cannot take the full brunt of the rise in cost. Open and honest communication goes a long way.
Deal With Rent Increases Fairly
There might be times when the rent simply needs to go up. This needs to be dealt with fairly though. For periodic tenancy, this cannot normally be more than once a year without the tenant’s agreement. For fixed-term tenancy, landlords can only increase the rent if the tenant agrees. If there is no agreement, the rent can only be increased when the fixed term finishes. Those who pay weekly or monthly should be given at least one month’s notice of rises. Annual payers should be given six months. Any rises to rent must be fair, and in line with average local rents. Both landlords and tenants need to look into their rights surrounding rent hikes.
Maintain The Property
The property should still be maintained. If there was work planned, it’s probably better to continue with that as long as the work can be completed and properly paid for. Ensuring that the house or flat is properly insulated will save money in the long run. It’s worth having a plumber check the boiler so it is efficiently running. This will also lower the risk of breakdown during the winter months. Deal with any potential leaks and ask the tenant if there are any issues with drafts. If these can be plugged then the occupier will be warmer and have to spend less money o heating the property. Ensure that you have adequate insurance too. CIA landlord insurance can help you out.
Be There For Emergencies
Emergencies happen. Pipes burst and door locks break. A landlord can help their tenants during this cost of living crisis by being there for those emergencies. Don’t just leave them to the occupant to deal with. Insurance policies will help with emergencies, which is why they are in place. Answer those phone calls, go around to the house to help and assist, and check in with a text a few days later. Lots of people talk about dream tenants, but we should also emphasise the importance of dream landlords. Ones that care and actually go out of their way to help. These are the landlords that tenants will stay with. Giving the homeowner decent lodgers for many years, with no issues.
Pass On Those Payments
There has been a little bit of Government support during the cost of living crisis. Mainly to do with the rise in energy bills. There have been payments sent out to homeowners to assist with higher bills. If these payments end up in the bank account of the landlord, a reasonable person should pass them on to the tenant. Unless of course, the bills are included in the rental agreement. It is a difficult time for everybody and many landlords might be thankful for an extra few quid in their account right now. However, the support is there for everyone and needs to be directed to the right people.
A decent landlord cares about the people who are renting their properties. It’s more than making a quick buck and waiting for those monthly rent cheques to land in the bank account. Of course, this is part of it. Landlords don’t go into it to not make a profit, however, the human element needs to be higher during this time of hardship and worry.
