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Following the eviction of criminals from your house, it might be necessary to restore your property back to a habitable condition. Here are some tips before you rent it back out again.
Test the Place for Drugs
Drugs are bought, sold, and used by a lot of people all over the world. And they are everywhere. After an eviction, you can’t be sure that drugs aren’t in your home, whether it’s in the middle of nowhere or in the city. Some, like meth, are dangerous to your health even after the people who lived there have moved out. So before your new tenants move in, you can schedule a house meth test to check for dangerous drug residue that might be hidden but can still affect you.
Sanitise Against Biological Hazards
It’s also possible that people paid for sexual services at your house. In this case, you need to get rid of everything, including the beds and bedding. You can easily clean places where such activity may have happened. For example, you can use an enzyme detergent and a wet cotton towel. Or, you can mix cold water, dish soap, baking soda, and over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide to make a paste that will remove stains and kill bacteria associated with such activities.
Restore Your Property Utilities
When criminals live in a house, it is common for utilities to be stolen. This includes dangerously bypassing systems that could cost you money. These things should always be checked:
- Check the electricity metre for signs of bypass and theft from neighbouring properties.
- Have a gas fitter test the boiler for interference and carbon monoxide leaks.
- Report any instances of water, gas or electricity theft to the local boards.
It might also be a good idea to have a portable appliance test (PAT) if you own appliances at the property. This way, you can make sure they are safe for use by your next tenant.
Clean Up Animal Waste
Animals can make a landlord’s life a living hell. Some people let their pets do whatever they want to their homes, like scratching the walls or chewing on cupboards. And some people don’t pick up after their animals. So, after animals are kicked out of a house, it needs to be cleaned and sanitised. You can mix equal parts white vinegar and water to make a solution. Then, rub the solution into the stain with a sponge, let it sit for 5 minutes, and dry it with a towel.
Stay Vigilant Against Unwanted Guests
After a criminal who was doing drugs or prostitution is kicked out, it’s likely that you’ll have guests for a while before word gets out that they’re gone. Try to make the property as secure as possible so that no one can get in. You could also stay there to tell other people to stay away. But you shouldn’t do this. Instead, you should tell the police what happened, and they might be willing to keep an eye on the property for you for a while until people stop turning up.
Summary
Criminal tenants can ruin your houses. To restore your property back to a good condition, get a drug test, check the gas, water and electricity for signs of bypass and warn off criminal users.
