For Landlords: Your All-Important Guide to Dealing with the End of a Tenancy

If you are responsible for renting out property and taking care of the property at the same time, as a landlord, you have many tasks on your hands. But more often than not, finding tenants is sometimes easier than dealing with the end of a tenancy. End of tenancy entails different responsibilities and, as a landlord, you have to make sure the tenant fulfils what is required of them as well as make sure the property is in top shape before the next tenant arrives. If you are not sure of how to handle the end of a tenancy, here’s your all-important guide.

Before the tenancy ends

Before a tenancy ends, you may want to show the property to potential tenants, but since the existing tenants are still there, you have to do it in the proper way. The first thing you should do is ask the permission of the current tenant in order to show other potential tenants the property. Most tenants will allow it, but be prepared for certain conditions from your existing tenants, such as limited access during certain times of the day or week.

Conducting the final inspection

As a landlord, you should arrange a time with your existing tenant for the final inspection of the property. Ideally, you should do it together. The last check is essential, especially before you refund the deposit or bond. It would also be best to schedule your final inspection when the tenant has already moved their belongings and items out of the property and has also finished cleaning it. If it’s not possible for you to inspect the property together, you can do so on your own; just make sure to take photos to document the property’s condition.

At the final inspection of the property, bring a bond or deposit refund form. Once you have inspected the property and find everything to be correct and in order, then you can have the tenant sign the form.

Other considerations

• As a landlord, it’s important for you to remember that a tenancy day will begin and end at 12 am (midnight). Avoid asking tenants to leave prior to 12 am on their last day of tenancy; it is best to negotiate a good time for both of you, preferably during the daytime.
• You may also want to inspect the property a few weeks prior to the final tenancy day; this way, you can advise the tenant of anything you want them to sort out before they leave.
• You should inform your tenant if there is anything they still need to pay or settle before their tenancy ends, such as the amount of rent they still owe or other dues. You should also let them know about their responsibilities at the end of their tenancy. Do this in writing so everything is clear and you have written evidence just in case.
• When you do the final inspection, take copies of all the documents related to the tenancy, such as the tenancy agreement, the initial inspection report for the property, a summary of the rent, and the like.
• If your tenant has already left and they leave some items behind, you should take photos of these items and make a list. Then you should contact the tenant about the items so the tenant can collect them.
• If you are planning to do repairs or maintenance or use an end of tenancy cleaning or house clearance service, make sure there is ample time between one tenant and the next so everything is thoroughly cleared out before the new tenant arrives.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com