When a property is rented out, the landlord needs to make sure that the tenant always disposes of the waste properly. However, when the apartment is empty, the waste left behind by the last tenants does not fall under the category of household waste. It turns into commercial waste; therefore, its disposal is the responsibility of the landlord. He needs to make sure that it is disposed in the safest and proper way possible.
A Landlord’s Responsibilities for Waste Disposal
According to the Environmental Act of 1990, landlords are responsible for the removal of waste in and around their property that are remnants of the last tenancy. If he fails to dispose of the waste, he can be prosecuted for violating the law. Fines and prison sentences can be penalties that result from negligence on the landlord’s part.
Here is a brief look at the responsibilities of a landlord when it comes to waste disposal:
· Advice tenants about removing and disposing of waste: One of the landlord’s responsibilities is to inform tenants about the importance of proper waste disposal. He should inform them about the facilities available for rubbish disposal that have been provided by the town or city council. Recycling needs to be encouraged as well. If the waste allowance has been exceeded, the tenants should hire the services of a waste collection company.
· Removal of building waste: When property maintenance or extension is carried out, it is the landlord’s responsibility to take care of the waste as per the regulations of the area. The waste that results from the construction, renovation, etc. should be removed by the landlord. Professional waste collectors should be hired to ensure that every waste item is properly removed and disposed.
· Removal of bulky waste: If the tenants have left without getting rid of bulky waste materials, the landlord needs to step in and do the needful. If not, he may be fined up to 2,500 pounds for leaving waste in yards or gardens. Illegal waste disposal on the street comes with a penalty of a fine of up to 50,000 pounds and the landlord could be sent to prison for a period of up to 5 years. Removing bulky waste can be tough so it is advisable to hire a waste collection company to do the job.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Waste Collectors
Landlords should consider using companies that offer waste collection services. The benefits of hiring professionals include:
· Safe and proper handling of all waste materials
· Safe disposal of waste with adherence to local regulations
· Keeping hazardous wastes such as TV sets, refrigerators, etc. away from landfills and disposed of using other eco-friendly methods such as recycling
To avoid fines and prison sentences, landlords need to be serious about their responsibilities that involve waste removal. Not only do they have a duty towards their property but also the community and the environment as a whole. To make sure that all waste is removed according to regulations, the best option is to avail the services of a waste collection company. It is the best way to ensure that each item is disposed of safely and no harm is done to the environment.