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Article Synopsis
This blog looks at the reasons why landlords need to use clearance companies just as often – if not more regularly - than householders and businesses.
There's also a look at the services offered by ASAP Clearances, who operate across North London and Hertfordshire.
This article will take around three minutes to read.
Although many of our clients are homeowners and businesses, landlords represent a sizeable proportion of ASAP Clearance’s customer base. Here we outline some specific reasons why anyone who rents out a property needs to call on our services.
Block Management Clearing in Hampstead from ASAP Clearances
ASAP Clearances operate in Barnet, Highgate, Cockfosters and many other locations in North London and Hertfordshire. To find out how we can help you, follow this link and fill in the online form.
Speed and Efficiency
Tenants sometimes leave their rental property unexpectedly, or at short notice – which could leave landlords facing significant financial consequences if a property is left unoccupied for a month or more.
You probably won’t be able to fit the left items or rubbish into a regular bin; and taking them to the local household waste site may not be an option either. Local councils have strict rules on waste disposal, requiring bookings for tip visits and limiting the amount of waste you can dispose of at one time (and it may be classified as commercial waste anyway).
Professional clearance teams can empty a full property in a matter of hours, drastically reducing downtime between tenancies so rent payments can resume quickly with a new tenant. This is particularly true at ASAP Clearances, where we pride ourselves on living up to our name by clearing a property as quickly as possible – without compromising on the quality of our services.
The Physical Effort
Sometimes, landlords like to use the time between tenancies as a chance to improve their property in readiness for the next tenant. In such cases, the furniture, white goods and other bulky or heavy items might need removing or replacing.
Aside from the time factor, it’s much better to leave this heavy, physical work to qualified professionals who know how to lift items without putting undue stress on their bodies.
Sustainability
Reputable companies sort items to maximise recycling and donations, diverting waste from landfills and satisfying any incoming tenants' interest in eco-friendly living. At ASAP Clearances, we always donate as much as possible to individuals or charities. This minimises the amount that goes to landfill.
Legal Compliance
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, landlords have a legal Duty of Care to ensure that any "commercial” waste produced by their letting business (such as fixtures, discarded appliances, or rubbish left behind by previous tenants) is stored, managed, and disposed of correctly.
All waste generated during property repairs, improvements, or clearances must only be handed to a registered waste carrier. You must secure a Waste Transfer Note for every load of commercial waste moved.
Professional companies provide waste transfer notes as proof of legal disposal. This safeguards landlords from liability regarding fly-tipping and ensures compliance with local waste regulations. There are some items which we are not legally allowed to collect, such as hazardous waste like asbestos.
ASAP Clearances are Licenced Waste Carriers who are fully compliant with all aspects of the law as it covers landlords.
Block Management Clearances
Residential blocks can pose a particular problem when it comes to waste, especially if the blocks have several floors and the collection of day-to-day waste is more difficult. Often, the blocks can become magnets for fly-tipping, as larger items can be much more difficult to dispose of.
If it occurs on private land, then the local council doesn’t bear any responsibility for clearing it, but leaves the landlord with the problem. Skips often aren’t the answer, as there is the temptation for other people to add their own waste into it.
Block management clearing - which we offer in Hampstead, across North London and into Hertfordshire - is one of our specialist services and is a much more sensible, targeted approach to the issues surrounding residential blocks. For more details, follow this link.
Other Services from ASAP Clearances
As well as services tailored to landlords, we also offer many other clearance services for householders and businesses. These range from bereavement and probate house clearances, garden waste clearances and construction waste clearances. For more details, call us on 020 3475 0508.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between household waste and commercial waste?
A: Daily household refuse is the tenant's responsibility. However, landlords are required to provide tenants with suitable, safe, and hygienic storage facilities (adequate bins) and clear information on council collection days.
As soon as a tenant moves out, any abandoned furniture, mattresses, or excess garbage is legally classified as "commercial waste". The responsibility for disposal instantly shifts to the landlord.
Q: What happens if a tenant leaves furniture behind, even if they own it?
A: Under UK law, landlords cannot simply throw away abandoned belongings. You must give the tenant reasonable written notice (usually two to three weeks) to collect their items before legally disposing of them. ASAP Clearances can assist with compliant, swift removal once that notice period expires.
Q: Can sheds, garages, and gardens be included in a clearance?
A: Yes. End-of-tenancy expectations require the entire premises to be free from waste, including outdoor spaces. ASAP Clearances can clear all outdoor and indoor spaces – from the loft to the bottom of the garden. At ASAP Clearances we offer garden clearing in Barnet, Highgate and across North London.