"While it's clear that the majority of private tenants do report issues to their landlords, the third that are failing to do so still represents a high proportion and could have financial implication for landlords"
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) says that as tenants become more experienced and understand the difference between fair wear and tear and actual damage, it's vital that landlords don't allow them to 'play the system'.
A recent research study indicated that when it comes to property damage, not all tenants are willing to be upfront.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by property marketplace TheHouseShop.com, surveyed over 2,000 tenants, finding that some 33% of private renters wouldn't tell their landlord if they did significant damage to their property. Of these, 17% would hire a professional to make repairs, 15% would try to repair the damage themselves and 2% would try to hide it.
Patricia Barber, Chair of the AIIC, had this to say: "While it's clear that the majority of private tenants do report issues to their landlords, the third that are failing to do so still represents a high proportion and could have financial implication for landlords."
She explains that the figures highlight the need for landlords and their letting agents to make sure that stringent processes are in place, including tenant referencing, taking (and protecting) deposits and carrying out an independently compiled inventory.
Barber continues: "These three processes can combine to make sure that landlords give themselves the best possible chance to claim money back in the event that a tenant damages their property. Tenant referencing increases the prospects of securing 'good' tenants in the first place, while an inventory provides you with the evidence you need to make a deduction from the tenant's deposit.
The AIIC also suggests that landlords and agents proactively warn and remind tenants to report damage issues as quickly as possible.
"As we can see from TheHouseShop's study, not all tenants are diligent in their reporting of damages and repairs," adds Barber.
