10 things all residential landlords need to know

Knowledge is key when it comes to being a successful landlord. To assist you in this regard Joesph has put together a helpful list of actions a landlord must do before letting a residential property:

1. Ensure the property is safe and free from health hazards.
2. Fit smoke alarms on every floor of the property and ensure they are working.
3. Fit carbon monoxide alarms in every room which uses solid fuels, such as wood fires, and ensure they are working.
4. Ensure all gas and electrical equipment are safely installed and maintained.
5. Have in place an-in-date Gas Safety Certificate and provide a copy of the same to your tenant.
6. Provide your tenant with an-in-date Energy Performance Certificate for the property. Ensure your property meets the required minimum energy rating before letting to your tenant.
7. Inform your building and contents insurer that the property is tenanted and update your policies if necessary.
8. Inform your mortgage lender, if any, and obtain their written consent to letting the property.
9. Obtain your proposed tenant’s original “Right to Rent” identification documentation. Keep a copy for your records.
10. Give your proposed tenant a copy of the government's “How to Rent” booklet.

If you do not comply with any of the above you may be subject to court action and/or required to pay compensation/fine/penalty and/or be in breach of the terms of your mortgage and/or insurance.

Please note that the above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the obligations upon you which will vary depending on your type of property and tenant/s.

Should you need expert legal advice regarding any of the above or indeed any other property law matters, please contact Joseph Seyed Hossein at joseph.hossein@fieldingsporter.co.uk or telephone 01204 540 900.

The contents of this article are for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.