Landlord Responsibilities and requirements

Here are some helpful bits of information which can help when renting out your property. This is also useful for tenants to make sure your landlords doing things properly. Some of these points are supported by law others are just good practise. This is not a substitute for proper legal advice and was not intended to be so. Therefore, if in need of legal advice contact a qualified lawyer.

Letting a Leasehold Property

You need to obtain approval from the freeholder to sublet. This ensures that the letting does not invalidate your leasehold agreement.

Letting a mortgaged Property

You will require the permission of the mortgage company to sublet the property. Remember it is your responsibility to obtain this permission in principal prior to you finding/securing tenants. In many instances mortgage interest rates will change. However, If the property has been purchased via a ‘buy to let’ mortgage this permission is not required.

Bills

A standard agreement does not include bills. Therefore, unless it is otherwise agreed the rental quoted to the prospective tenants will be exclusive of telephone, gas, electricity, council tax and water rates. However the landlord is responsible for other outgoings such as service charges, insurances etc.

Furnishings

Remember, TV, videos and DVD players or Hi-Fi equipment should only be left in the knowledge that you as a landlord will be responsible for any mechanical breakdown. It is sometimes beneficial to avoid leaving unnecessary ornamentation in the property. For example you probably should take with you or have removed any of your prized possessions, especially if they are valuable.

Professional Cleaning

Soft furnishings, carpets, floor surfaces, bedding and paintwork should all be professionally cleaned before the tenant moves in; special attention should be paid in the kitchen and bathroom to ensure that the property is rendered tenantable.

Service Contracts

It is advisable for you to take out service contracts on all the properties major appliances especially for central heating boilers and also where possible for major domestic appliances. All electrical appliances must be serviced and new appliances which are under guarantee should be tested and all plugs checked.

Smoke Alarms

As a minimum smoke alarms should be installed to each level of the property. These should be checked regularly to ensure that they are in working order. Additionally a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket should be installed at the property. Carbon Monoxide Detectors should also be installed at the property.

Keys

You should supply one set of keys to each tenants. As a landlord you should retain one full set for yourself. Please note that if you have special locks such as Banham, Ingersol or Chubb, please remember they can take some time to have cut. Therefore these should be done prior to the property being let.

Repairs

Under existing legislation you are responsible for all repairs to the property and contents except those caused by the tenants neglect or misuse. Should a repair be necessary you will need to instruct the relevant qualified contractor.

Landlord Visits

The landlord should carry out periodic checks to the property on a regular basis and note any items that they wish to address with the tenants. The landlord, in accordance with the agreement should notify the tenant by writing of these visits.

Provide a file of useful documents

It is always a good idea to furnish the in-going tenant with a list of useful information, preferably in file form. The information should include domestic appliances instructions, manuals and guarantees, the location of the main water stop cock and meters, alarm codes, refuse collection etc, this will genuinely help in getting the tenancy off to a smooth start.

Tax

You are liable for tax on rented income which is added as unearned income. There are a number of allowances you can claim; however you should seek advice from an accountant or the Inland Revenue.