Looking to rent out your property?

When looking to rent out your property it is important to understand the main responsibilities and roles that come with being a landlord. Furthermore, the legal rights both landlords and tenants have and how they affect both parties (health and safety, storage, deposit, right to rent, repairs, etc.).

Here are some main responsibilities and tips when becoming a landlord.

Health and safety

Being a landlord comes with many responsibilities to have a property that is fit for human habitation; safe and clean. The most important are fire safety, Gas safety, and electrical safety. There are many things to ensure have been completed or checked before allowing tenants to move in. These include:

  •  Landlords are responsible get a gas safety check by a gas safe engineer every 12 months.
  • All provided furniture in the property must be safe to use and meet the required standards.
  • Electrical equipment must all be checked before tenants move in to ensure that it is all working and is safe to use.
  • Smoke detectors must be fitted on each floor and must be working when the tenants move in. Tenants also have a responsibility to ensure the smoke detectors work and test them at least once a month. Furthermore, if the property has a coal or wood-burning fire then a carbon monoxide detector must be fitted in the room with them.
  • Energy performance certificate (EPC) must be obtained (unless exempt) by the landlord for the property. Private properties must have a minimum of an E rating, if this is not achieved then local authorities can get involved and find £5000.

Repairs and Maintenance

By law, it is also expected that landlords carry out and maintenance as soon as possible once the tenancy has started. However, the tenant must report these repairs beforehand and carry out any minor repairs themselves (changing light bulbs, smoke alarms, etc.).

Storage

When tenants move into a home, they have legal access to all the storage in the property (indoors and outdoors). Meaning, it is good practice to remove any valuables within the home, to guarantee they are not stolen or lost. If there are items that will be left within the home, make an inventory of every item with proof. This helps keep track of items if they are to be lost or stolen.

Deposits

Within 30 days of the deposit money being received by a landlord it must be secured with a government-approved scheme &For example, My deposit, deposit protection, protection, and tenancy, etc.). This is under the tenancy deposit schemes under the Housing act 2004). These schemes provide protection to both Landlords and tenants including unfair deductions of the deposit. Furthermore, appropriate claims for any cost that occurred through damage, unpaid rent, missing items, cleaning costs. These schemes lay out a clear process that tenants and landlords can use to solve their disputes with one another.

Right To Rent

Landlords must ensure that all tenants complete a right to rent check under the immigration act 2009. The tenant must provide the official identification or documents before moving into the property.

Take a look at our landlord guide here: Michael Poole's Guide to Being a Landlord or get in touch with your local branch for advice or guidance!