Tenant privacy access and rules

When taking in tenants, make them feel a welcome part of the household. Don't restrict tenants to their room, but let them have use of the communal room such as living room, give them a great relaxing enjoyable stay.

Remember, if you’re a live-out landlord, give at least 24 hours notice before entering the property. Respect the tenants' privacy. If you’re a live-in landlord these tenants will want privacy too, so when you’re doing your normal hoovering around make sure you don't go in to the tenant’s rooms without their permission. He may not appreciate you seeing him in his new batman boxers.

It may be good, when the tenant is considering moving in, to discuss any standard rules of the house, don't create a list of a 100 rules the basics will do, here are examples below:

• To always tidy away after themselves
• The rules on guests
• The rules on boyfriends or girlfriends
• When rent and bills need paying
• Parties
• Loud music
• Pets
• Smoking
• Responsible drinking
• Parking
• Facilities, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer etc.
• Use of garden