What is betterment? | Property Management and Maintenance

Wear and tear is part and parcel of tenancies and something that every landlord expects. By understanding betterment and apportionment landlords are better placed to avoid end of tenancy disagreements and can better manage the cost of maintenance.

As we approach Spring many tenancies come to their natural end so we would like to help you to understand what these principles mean for both you and your tenants.

Betterment is the situation in which a landlord is financially or materially better off at the end of a tenancy and should be avoided. The means of avoiding disputes while also gaining due compensation for damage is the principle of apportionment.

Apportionment can not be used to replace old with new at the tenants expense. Misunderstanding the principles can lead to disputes at the end of tenancy and can be avoided.

Where an item has damage a landlord can claim an apportioned cost to compensate for the loss of earning, or use that portion to offset the overall cost of replacement. The cost to the tenant should be appropriate to the effect of the damage sustained.

Correctly used apportionment can help to manage the cost of end of tenancy maintenance. In order to use this optimally it’s important to maintain proper inventory reports and regular flat inspections. Together these will help to create a record of wear and tear and damage and make it easier to differentiate at the end of a tenancy.

At Cairn we keep a reliable circle of local tradespeople available for property maintenance and know that property can be personal. At Cairn building relationships with tenants and helping them to look after your property is important. Keeping you informed is key – whether just to let you know that an inspection has gone well, or advising you if some work is needed to maintain investment value

If you have any questions about landlord responsibilities, maintenance, landlord services or any other matter you can contact us several ways. Through our website, via email, or by calling us on: 0141 270 7879.

In addition you’ll find us on Facebook,Twitter, and LinkedIn where our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.