ARTICLE BY: Laura Walton
Renting a property and remaining happy for the entire term of your tenancy is not without its difficulties.
Many tenants of properties often aren’t aware of problems with the house, flat or even room they are renting before they have paid the deposit.
Then there’s the requirement for at least one month’s rent up-front and signing on the dotted line for all the responsibility that comes with renting nowadays. A couple of months in, cracks often start to appear, and not just the aesthetic kind.
For a few months now, and particularly over the weekend, we have heard rumblings of properties being subjected to rigorous inspections, similar to a car due for an MOT which either passes or fails with the occasional advisory notice.
It is thought that this might go some way in reducing the risk of tenants being left in properties that are unfit for purpose, are uninhabitable, or simply need TLC before a new tenant moves in. As is often the case, prevention is cheaper than the cure – which could benefit both tenant and landlord. It would save the tenant the inconvenience of having to raise a complaint and the difficulties that come with complaints, and also saves the landlord a lot of avoidable hassle.
Our Commercial Litigation Team often receives enquiries relating to property matters. Whether the problem suffered be a minor inconvenience to the tenant, or to problems which may be more serious in cases of neglected and – eventually – uninhabitable properties.
Whether or not an MOT-like system will prevent complaints and litigation from arising remains to be seen, however, if you have suffered or are currently struggling with problems relating to your property, please contact Oakwood Solicitors. Ask to speak to a member of the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team who would be happy to help.
We deal with all types of property litigation matters, both residential and commercial and can additionally assist with possession matters should you encounter a dispute with your tenant or landlord.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
For a FREE initial consultation, call the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team on 0113 200 9720 or contact us online here to discuss how we can help you.
