By Hannah Phillips
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Are you new to being a landlord? Not sure about what you are/aren’t responsible for?
It’s important that you’re clear about your responsibilities as a landlord so you can ensure you meet legal requirements, whilst also keeping a positive relationship with your tenants.
You must adhere to standard rules and regulations that ensure your property is at an acceptable standard for your tenants to live in. You want your tenants to respect your property and in turn, you must respect them by taking your responsibilities as a landlord seriously. By doing so, this will hopefully ensure a smooth ride for the duration of the tenancy agreement.
Your responsibilities
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Safety – It’s important to ensure that standard procedures such as gas, electrical and fire safety regulations are followed. The electrical system and any appliances must all be safe. You should also provide tenants with a gas safety certificate before they move in or within 28 days of the safety check. If you are renting a furnished property, you must make sure that the furniture within the property meets fire safety standards.
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Protect your assets – Make sure your property is covered with adequate buildings insurance to protect its physical structure from potential threats such as weather damage, fire, malicious damage and more. This kind of damage can be extremely costly. Landlords contents insurance is also another thing to consider, as this will cover furnishings that you have provided from damages and theft.
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Maintenance – If something needs fixing, do it promptly. Remember, your tenants are paying to be in your property, and they have a right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair. Therefore it should be kept maintained to an acceptable standard. Whilst it may not be your legal obligation to change lightbulbs or replace blown fuses, it is your responsibility to deal with problems associated with the structure of the property. These include:
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Roof, walls, guttering, drains, foundations, external pipes, windows and doors
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Basins, sinks, toilets, baths and their pipework
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Gas and water pipes, water tanks, boilers, electrical wiring, radiators, gas fires, fitted electric fires and fitted heaters.
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Don’t be invisible – Ensure that you are responsive to your tenants, don’t be out of reach. If your tenants have an emergency, they need to be able to contact you. The tenants have a right to know who their landlord is so ensure that they have your full name, address and contact details. If they do not have these, you can be fined if this information isn’t passed on to tenants within 21 days.
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Keep your tenants in the loop – Landlords are required to give at least a 24 hour notice period to tenants if they have intent to enter the property at reasonable times. Tenants are able to refuse entry if a reasonable period hasn’t been given, so don’t just turn up unannounced as it’s more than likely you won’t be welcomed in!
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Seek professional advice – It pays to become a member of a professional body so you can keep up to date with changes in the industry and keep in contact with other industry professionals. The National Landlord Association offer support and advice to all members and also host regular branch meetings surrounding current issues within the property sector to keep you informed and up to date. See their website here for more information.
Are you an experienced landlord who can offer advice to those just starting out? Then get in touch with us through Facebook or tweet us @GlideUK and we’ll help spread the word!
Read our guide on cheaper student contents insurance here!