Lettings Mythbusters: 6 Common Property Myths Busted by Scriven & Co

Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, the lettings industry can feel like a maze of rules, regulations, and assumptions. Over time, a number of myths have crept into day-to-day conversations—often causing confusion, misunderstandings, or even disputes. At Scriven & Co, we believe in clarity and transparency. That’s why we’re busting some of the most common lettings myths we come across in our work across Quinton, Halesowen, Oldbury, and beyond.

Let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: "You can’t carry out a property inspection during a fixed-term tenancy."

Busted: Yes, you can—and in fact, you should.

Routine inspections are a standard part of professional property management. Even if a tenant is within a fixed-term tenancy (for example, a 12- or 18-month agreement), landlords or managing agents are legally allowed to carry out mid-term visits. The key is giving proper notice—at least 24 hours in writing—and ensuring the visit takes place at a reasonable time.

At Scriven & Co, we carry out one inspection per year as part of our duty of care to landlords and tenants. These visits are not about catching tenants out—they’re to identify any early maintenance issues, check the condition of the property, and make sure everything is safe and compliant. They also give tenants an opportunity to raise concerns face-to-face.

Myth #2: "If I’m moving out, I don’t need to pay rent for the last month."

Busted: Rent is always due until the very end of the tenancy—unless an early surrender has been formally agreed in writing.

We occasionally hear from tenants who assume that giving notice, handing in keys early, or having already found a new property means they can stop paying rent before the agreed end date. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract, and rent must be paid in full up to the final date, even if you're no longer living there.

Failure to do so can result in arrears, legal action, and deductions from your deposit. If in doubt, speak to your managing agent or landlord before making any assumptions.

Myth #3: "Tenants are responsible for fixing anything that breaks."

Busted: Tenants are responsible for day-to-day upkeep, but the landlord must handle most structural and safety-related repairs.

This is a classic area of confusion. Tenants are expected to take reasonable care of the property—things like keeping it clean, replacing smoke alarm batteries, and reporting maintenance issues promptly. But when it comes to more serious problems—such as boiler breakdowns, leaks, electrical faults, or issues with the structure or fittings—those fall under the landlord's responsibility under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

At Scriven & Co, we encourage tenants to report issues as soon as they arise. This protects both the tenant’s wellbeing and the landlord’s investment.

Myth #4: "If something gets damaged, it’s always the landlord’s problem."

Busted: If the damage is caused by tenant misuse or neglect, the tenant is responsible—financially and practically.

Landlords are not liable for repairing or replacing items that have been broken due to carelessness or misuse by tenants. For example, if a tenant spills red wine on the carpet or breaks a window by slamming it too hard, the cost of repair may be deducted from the deposit or charged separately.

This is why comprehensive check-in inventories, regular inspections, and photo evidence are so important. They help determine whether something was damaged due to wear and tear—or something more avoidable.

Myth #5: "If the EPC is on display, it must still be valid."

Busted: EPCs are only valid for 10 years, regardless of whether a printed copy is on the wall.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for all rental properties. It must be valid and accessible to tenants at the start of a tenancy. Some properties still display an old EPC on a noticeboard or folder—but this can give a false sense of compliance. Always check the issue date.

If the EPC is older than 10 years, a new assessment must be carried out before the property can be re-let. Fines for non-compliance can be up to £5,000, so landlords should ensure they stay up to date.

Myth #6: "End-of-tenancy cleaning means leaving the place spotless—even if it wasn’t that clean when I moved in."

Busted: Tenants must return the property in the same condition it was in at the start—allowing for fair wear and tear.

End-of-tenancy cleaning is a frequent point of tension. Some tenants worry they need to deep-clean the property to a hotel standard, even if it wasn’t that way when they moved in. The law is clear: tenants must return the property in the same level of cleanliness as it was at the start, excluding wear and tear from normal use.

This is why check-in inventories are so important. A good inventory will include clear descriptions and photos of the property's condition when the tenancy began. If the property wasn’t spotless at move-in, it doesn’t need to be spotless at move-out—just equal to how it was handed over.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Lettings doesn’t have to be complicated. Many of the issues we deal with as agents come down to misunderstandings that could be avoided with a bit of clear communication.

Whether you’re a landlord trying to keep your investment protected, or a tenant making a rented property your home, knowing the facts goes a long way. At Scriven & Co, we’re here to help you cut through the jargon, stay compliant, and feel confident about your next move.

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Quinton • Halesowen • Oldbury • Surrounding Areas
0121 422 4011