Maureen_539
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8,808 Posts
Hello colleagues. Just asking if anyone has a similar situation?
A couple are renting long term [6 years so far] a small, very compact 1960's bungalow. The property was professionally renovated 2005 in readiness for their occupancy and they remain thrilled with it and it's semi rural location.They had previously rented social housing, complaining bitterly of the Council's neglect of their property on a run down estate.
Each year I do an internal fire risk assessment and deal [albeit with tenants reluctant permission] with external repairs to ensure proper maintainance,outdoor tidiness & tenants security. At my most recent visit I noticed the internal decor is now looking very tired, paint/plaster is cracking around door jambs, hairline cracks have appeared in ceilings and that the small dining kitchen is in urgent need of a cosmetic facelift. This is mainly due to high frequency of daily use and a lack of deep cleaning using appropriate & effective grime busting products. Both tenants have long term disability/health problems, never go on holiday and have used the bijou property 24/7/365 for 6 years.
The other rooms & areas also need a paint job. Radiators are rusty from use for drying laundry, curtain poles are mucky as are curtains and windows. My offers of help with cosmectic touches internally were not accepted and I got the impression the tenants were disappointed that my fresh eyes saw far too much. They are happy for the property to remain as it is. I expect they will be 'in residence' for always, never asking for improvement as they don't want the hassle or upset to their daily lives. Getting the annual gas check organised is a work of art in itself!
I know 'internally'is the tenants responsibility but how have other landlords managed a situation where a property let 'long term' is getting very shabby but tenants are very happy & very content for it to remain so? They always pay rent on time, resist suggestions for cosmetic upgrades or for maintenance of ceilings.
If it ain't broke then don't fix it, is their obvious motto but this stance has implications for the landlord.
I'm not superimposing my own decorative standards onto tenants but instead thinking ahead to a time when 'shabby' could look like a landlord's neglect of unassuming, yet in some ways, vulnerable tenants.
Any comments would be welcome.
Thanks in advance for those.
Maureen.
