Tenant Troubles? Here’s How to Prevent Issues Before They Happen
Every landlord has heard the horror stories: rent arrears, property damage, constant complaints, or tenants who vanish without a trace. But here’s the truth most don’t talk about — the majority of tenant issues are preventable with the right setup from the start.
At M&P Estates, we help South Ockendon landlords avoid unnecessary stress by getting the fundamentals right. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the problems — and enjoy a smooth, profitable tenancy.
1. Thorough Tenant Referencing Is Your First Line of Defence
Don’t just accept the first applicant who shows interest — dig deeper. Proper referencing should include:
- Identity verification (passport, visa if required)
- Income verification (ideally 2.5x the monthly rent)
- Employment references
- Credit history checks (CCJs, defaults, missed payments)
- Landlord references (was the property left in good order? Were payments made on time?)
The goal isn’t just to filter out bad tenants — it’s to find reliable, stable tenants who value your property like it’s their own.
2. Use a Legally-Compliant, Robust Tenancy Agreement
Avoid generic templates from the internet — they rarely cover the specifics needed in today’s legal landscape. A solid tenancy agreement should:
- Clearly outline responsibilities for both landlord and tenant
- Set expectations for rent payments, maintenance, and conduct
- Include any special clauses (e.g., no pets, break clauses, smoking restrictions)
At M&P Estates, we provide custom agreements tailored to the property and the latest legal framework — reducing ambiguity and protecting you in case of disputes.
3. Document Everything — Starting with the Inventory
Before tenants move in, conduct a professional inventory with photographs. This documents:
- The condition of the property
- Cleanliness standards
- Fixtures, fittings, and appliances
Should a dispute arise at the end of the tenancy, the inventory becomes your key evidence — and may determine whether you retain some or all of the deposit.
We provide a full inventory and schedule of condition with every let we manage — and recommend landlords do the same, even for self-managed tenancies.
4. Maintain Good Communication
Many tenant disputes stem from miscommunication or slow responses. Keeping the lines open can:
- Encourage tenants to report minor issues early (before they become major)
- Build trust, reducing the risk of confrontation
- Improve the chances of lease renewals and long-term tenancies
You don’t have to be available 24/7 — but you do need a system in place. Our managed landlords benefit from a dedicated point of contact, maintenance tracking, and prompt response times.
5. Stay On Top of Compliance
Landlords are now legally responsible for ensuring:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and tested
- Electrical safety inspections are done every 5 years
- Gas safety certificates are renewed annually
- The property is free from Category 1 hazards (under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System)
Failure to comply can lead to fines or an inability to regain possession of your property in future. Prevention starts with getting compliance sorted early and reviewing it annually.
6. Use Professional Property Management (If You Want Peace of Mind)
We’ve had landlords come to us after a problem arises — and often, we could have prevented the issue with better systems in place.
A professional letting agent will:
- Vet and place tenants
- Handle rent collection and maintenance
- Ensure full legal compliance
- Mediate any issues before they escalate
We don’t just react — we proactively manage risk. And that’s why many landlords choose M&P Estates to protect their investment and their peace of mind.
Final Word
The best way to deal with tenant issues is to prevent them before they happen. With the right setup, clear communication, and legal protection in place, you can enjoy the benefits of being a landlord without the drama.
Thinking of letting your property?
We’d be happy to provide a free compliance check or discuss our tenant-find and management options. Let’s keep your letting journey smooth and stress-free.
