Had pushback on ‘no candles’ from a prospective tenant. It could be me as I hate the idea of a naked flame near fabrics and then add some booze…
Do you add custom clauses - no smoking seems such a basic one to add?
The clauses below would seem designed to benefit the tenants amenity, safety and comfort - or am I going too far and too restrictive/bossy?
No Smoking or Vaping
Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises.
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Candles and Naked Flames**
Candles, incense, oil burners and all other naked-flame devices are prohibited anywhere inside the building.
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Cycles and Electric Mobility Devices**
Bicycles, including electric bicycles, must not be brought into or stored inside the building. Electric bicycles, scooters and other personal electric mobility devices, together with their batteries, must not be charged indoors.
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Refuse – Vermin, Fire Risk and Hygiene**
Rubbish and recycling must be placed in the designated external containers, never in communal areas, and put out for collection on collection days. All contract-holders must follow the council guidance for waste-sorting arrangements and help keep communal areas clean and free from refuse.
9.18. To place all refuse in plastic bags in the designated dustbin(s) which should be kept in the area provided. If necessary on refuse collection day to move the dustbin(s) to the collection point as required by the local Council.
Not sure your clause materially adds anything if they follow 9.18. Whether they sort stuff properly or put it out on the correct day is really none of your business as landlord, it’s between the council and the residents.
Re candles and naked flames this is already basically covered by 9.36
9.36. Not to undertake any activity that materially increases the risk of fire or other damage to the Premises or its fixtures and fittings. This includes, without limitation, the storage of dangerous or flammable goods at the Premises, leaving electrical appliances such as tumble dryers on while the Premises are empty, or any other action that unreasonably increases the risk of damage.
It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure they understand everything otherwise there will be blowback from council and tenant alleging they were never informed . It’s best to spell it out . I’ve been fined for tenant flytipping on several occasions and had to prove it was not me and the tenant was aware it was illegal.
Are you not reading the news? We are being blamed for everything . We will even be charged for utility debts under this government because tenants don’t pay .
It is good to give examples in clauses so it’s irrefutable . Tenants are professionals in finding loopholes .
Thanks for the replies - appreciated. Good to see im likely not being too bossy or unreasonable!
I also think that in a block the landlord has a duty to all tenants to lead and to help them manage rubbish and its storage. No one want to walk past smelly, half chewed bags to the building entrance - especially for a viewing! This is why I have provided storage units and they need to be used.