Whether you are a professional experienced Landlord with a number of properties or just starting out, you will want to give your tenants the best service. When it comes down to it, you are providing a home for your tenants and any good landlord will see the benefits of this alongside the income they receive.
As all things in life, when we come from a place of wanting to provide a good service, everything falls into place as it should.
If you have been a landlord for some time then I am sure you have experienced a multitude of scenarios when tenants are moving out.
The last thing you want is to be left with unwanted furniture and belongings to get rid of, or a mess to clean up. Good communication and expectations are key, providing your tenants with the information they need and being proactive before moving day can ensure things go smoothly and you are not left with an unwanted situation.
Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life, so you can be the landlord who helps to make it a smooth experience.
One way you can do that is to provide your tenants with a comprehensive guide on moving.
In this blog post we will provide you with all the information you need to make your tenants transition as effortless as possible. From choosing the right moving company to offering tips on how to prepare for the move, we’ve got you covered.
Choosing the right moving company
- Reputation: Do you research and read online reviews, ask friends or family who they have used, You want to be sure you find a reliable company with a good quality or service.
- Check they offer the services you require. You may need packing, storage or unpacking – will they dismantle your furniture and put it up again? Do they have the right equipment to protect it during transit?
- Affordability: Moving companies will have different rates, find a company that offers competitive pricing.
- Insurance: Make sure the moving company you choose is fully insured. This will provide you with peace of mind in case of any accidents or damage during the move.
Preparing for the move
Here are a few tips you can share with your tenants to help make the transition as smooth as possible:
- Start early! Encourage them not to leave packing to the last minute. If they are in a furnished property, this will give them enough time to make sure they have packed everything. They may have to do some cosmetic diy work, like in filling in holes or painting a wall, this is much easier to achieve once everything is packed.
- Make a checklist: Moving can be overwhelming, so this can help. Encourage your tenants to make a list of all the things they need to do, such as contacting utility companies and changing address, and so on. Once they have moved out, if this is not done, you may find that you have to tidy up the loose ends.
- If the tenants are moving into another of your properties then give them a head start and provide them with all the information they will need in advance.
- Be available: they may have lots of questions, be on hand to answer anything or to step in on the day if anything needs handling.
What to do if your tenant leaves belongings behind?
Sometimes, your tenants will leave without notice, and they may leave furniture and other items behind. If you can, the first thing you need to do is contact the tenant and let them know, and give them the opportunity to collect their belongings.
If you cannot get hold of them then revisit your tenancy agreement and look for a clause that deals with items left by the tenant. If there is a particular clause that details a process that is fairly worded then you can follow the clause.
If you know your tenants follow on address then you can write to the tenant asking them to pick up the items within a reasonable time frame, or giving them notice of your intention to dispose of or sell the items. If you have made every effort to contact them, and have heard nothing after a period of time then it’s reasonable to dispose of the items.
Every situation is different so it would be worth getting professional advice on this.
At Painless Removals, we offer a competitively priced, straightforward packing and moving service. We are fully insured and have all the equipment needed.
If you are a professional landlord and need a reliable moving team to handle tenant moves between your properties or need to move or dispose of bulky furniture or belongings then get in touch.
