Taylor Scott International News
Almost 80% of tenants in the UK want a lease that is between six months and two years, with just one in five tenants wanting longer leases of two to five years, new research has found. Over half of tenants are hoping to move up the rental ladder and rent a nicer property when they can afford to, according to the study by online letting agent PropertyLetByUs. It also found that over 60% of tenants would like to redecorate their property and over half of tenants want to change the carpets and floorcoverings a further 23% want to install decking, 18% want to add a hot water tub and 13% want to create a patio. ‘Clearly tenants don’t want long leases. For many, longer than two years does not give them the freedom and flexibility they need. They may find a job, then move on to another one, start out living with friend and then want to move in with a partner,’ said Jane Morris, the agent’s managing director. ‘However, landlords like longer leases as they get charged fees each time their agent needs to find new tenants. Our research also shows that many tenants do aspire to owning their own home and a large proportion of them want to redecorate their rental accommodation,’ she explained. But she pointed out that this can cause a major headache for landlords, with many facing redecorated properties at the end of the lease, with no prior approval secured by the tenant. The latest Tenant Deposit Scheme report shows that redecoration is a major cause of dispute, taking 32% of the share. ‘We have seen properties with walls painted in bright colours, despite landlords specifying that the décor must be a neutral and standard lettings property colours, from off-whites and beige to magnolia. One tenant decided to decorate the whole house black and white. Another tenant chose a dark burgundy for all the walls, throughout the property,’ said Morris. ‘Even when a tenant repaints in the correct or authorised colour scheme, there are still problems. We have seen instances of bad paint application, patchy walls, paint spills on carpets, curtains, fixtures and fittings, all of which the tenants will be responsible for at the end of the tenancy,’ she added. The firm says that it is vital that landlords carry our mid-term property inspections and ensure the inventory and check-in stipulates the colour and quality of the decoration. If tenants do want to decorate, they should be given colour swatches to choose from and clear instructions on what can be painted and how. Taylor Scott International
Taylor Scott International, Taylor Scott
