Despite the rise in cases, malicious damage is not an inevitable part of renting your property and risks can be mitigated or avoided with a few simple precautions, such as:
Reference checks – this can include credit and guarantor checks as well as a full record of their rental history.
Requesting a reasonable deposit – most deposits equate to four or five weeks’ worth of rent which can be a significant amount of money. Tenants are less likely to risk getting that money back by causing malicious damage. Don’t forget that all deposits need to be secured in a government approved scheme.
Making a detailed inventory – a comprehensive report can help prove instances of malicious damage so it’s in your interest to provide one.
Carrying out property inspections – regular inspections can highlight issues early on and is also good way to keep maintenance in hand.
Nurturing a good relationship with tenants – this just means making sure tenants can expect you to fulfil your landlord responsibilities and resolve any problems quickly.
Investing in security – precautions like external CCTV, motion sensor lighting and secure fences and gates can help deter opportunistic thieves or vandals and lower the risk of damage being done.