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The particular trouble with renting
When I was 7 years old, my good friend, a lad called Tim, received a brand new Raleigh Grifter, not for his birthday or Christmas, just because he wanted one. He had the cycle of my dreams.
Two weeks later on a balmy summer’s afternoon, with eyes like saucers I nervously approached young Tim and asked him if I could have a ride on it. He considered my request for what seemed like an age, then shook his head slowly and screwed up his face. Zero chance, he said.
thirty two years on, I met Tim once more at his Riverside property in a smart area of Hull’s old town. Over 6 months his residence had been transformed from chic and stylish to dustbin. His tenants had certainly known how to party, but not how to clean up or pay rent. The end result was a £450 cleaning bill, a tad more for redecoration and £1700 rent arrears.
Sadly, Tim hadn’t asked for any references because one of the tenants was the pal of a good friend. It transpired that he had handed over the keys without any formal tenancy agreement and without the most basic of checks. It astonished me that someone who was capable of making a careful risk assessment at the age of 7, was not capable of the same thing aged 39.
The lesson here is not to take a chance with any person who wishes to rent your residence. Your property is probably your most precious asset, so it is vital that every possible step is taken to assess the quality of prospective tenants just before you commit to them. Don’t be reluctant to say no - if you can’t be positive then don’t take a chance.
Since that date, I am delighted to report that Marlborough Estate Agency has arranged a succession of trouble-free tenancies for Tim simply by considering only thoroughly referenced, professional tenants.
If you know any one who may well benefit from a professional letting and / or property management service then please ask them to ring Marlborough Estate Agents. We’re here to help.
Tony Cook
www.marlboroughestates.com