The study, conducted by PropertyLetByUs.com – a leading online letting agent, reveals that over one in ten tenants has admitted to subletting to a friend, while over 70% have kept a pet and a further 79% have decorated, without their landlord’s permission.
The research shows that despite landlords making it very clear that no alterations must be done to the property without their permission, nearly half of tenants have put up shelves and other wall fixings and over 95% have put nails and screws in the walls. Over 11% of tenants have made alterations to the garden, 6% have installed decking and 60% have had internet or Sky cables installed in the property.
Jane Morris, Managing Director of Property Let By Us comments: “It is a sad fact that many tenants don’t take any notice of the lease agreement and treat the property as if it belongs them, with little disregard for the landlord’s investment. Landlords often face filthy and damaged properties with excessive wear and tear at check-out. What’s more, the deposit does not always cover the costs involved in getting the property up to standard for re-letting.
“It is vital that landlords make mid-term inspections, so that they can monitor and assess the condition of the property. Any issues and problems can be discussed with tenants and resulting increases in rent or deposit can be agreed to cover additional wear and tear, or any damage to the property.”
