A group of prospective tenants recently encountered a common issue when seeking to rent a property: restricted access to an outbuilding intended for storage. The tenants, who found a home meeting nearly all their criteria, discovered during a viewing that the outbuilding on the property was off-limits, despite their need for extra storage space.

According to experts in property lettings, landlords may exclude certain parts of a property from a tenancy, including garages, sheds, or outbuildings, provided these restrictions are clearly communicated. A landlord’s right to exclude areas is generally recognized, but these exclusions must be explicitly stated in the tenancy agreement and ideally disclosed before a viewing to set accurate expectations for prospective tenants.

Laura Lane, head of Surrey and southern region lettings at Savills, notes that renters often assume they will have access to all parts of a property, especially when renting an entire house. However, the landlord can retain exclusive access to specific areas for storage or personal use. Lane cautions that while excluding parts of a property is lawful, landlords should carefully consider whether doing so could deter tenants or lower the achievable rent. Moreover, retaining access to outbuildings may create practical issues if landlords need to enter the property during the lease.

For tenants, it is advisable to ask landlords whether access to storage spaces like outbuildings can be included in the rental agreement, particularly if this is a deciding factor. However, landlords may increase the rent or prefer tenants not requiring such access. Tenants are also encouraged to inquire about the current use and condition of these spaces, as outbuildings might contain gardening equipment, be in disrepair, or be actively used by the landlord, which could affect tenant enjoyment of the premises.

Storage suitability is another consideration. Outbuildings may not provide an ideal environment for certain belongings; items like soft furnishings, clothing, and books can be vulnerable to dampness, condensation, and temperature fluctuations, even in relatively well-maintained structures. Security is also a factor, as these spaces may be less secure than the main property.

Additionally, any belongings left in excluded areas should be carefully managed. Landlords are advised to remove valuable or sentimental items or ensure they comply with safety regulations and insurance requirements when left on-site.

Ultimately, prospective tenants must weigh the importance of additional storage against the terms of the tenancy and the potential limitations of the property. Open communication with the landlord before signing a contract can help clarify what is included and prevent misunderstandings during the tenancy.