Letting out your rental property can sometimes be a minefield of legal responsibilities and contractual obligations. But do you know exactly what your duties are as a landlord? We explain all in this list of landlord responsibilities.
Protecting your tenant's deposit
When your tenant pays their deposit before the start of a new tenancy, you must ensure that it is registered in a deposit protection scheme, as required by law.
Most estate agents will do this on your behalf so you won't need to do anything yourself, but some won't. It's important to provide your tenant with proof that it has been appropriately protected and show them which scheme it is held in – and you need to prove that they have seen this too.
Ensuring the property is fit to live in
Second on the list of landlord responsibilities and one of the most important things you must do as a landlord, is maintain the property correctly and ensure that it is safe for your tenants to live in.
From making sure the walls and ceilings won't fall down, to ensuring the garden is hazard free, there could be serious consequences if any accidents were to occur as a result of your negligence.
This includes making sure all furniture is fire resistant and you have documentation to prove this, in case of fire.
Electrics and plumbing work correctly
Before the start of each tenancy, you must test the electrics and plumbing to see if they work as they should.
Standard checks should include making sure the boiler turns on properly, there isn't any air trapped in the heating system and that the water pressure is at the correct level.
In addition to this, you need to have a gas safety check carried out on the property every 12 months, which should be shown to tenants with proof in writing that they have seen it.
Most importantly, all electrical appliances that are provided with the property, such as white goods, microwaves and TVs, should all be in perfect working order and safe to use. If you find that you have to keep repairing the fridge or the washing machine because you've had them in the property a long time, it might be time to think about a buying new one.
You also need to provide the instruction manuals for all appliances to ensure that your tenants know how to use them properly – if not, you could be responsible for any damage from misuse.
Licensing your property
You may need a license in order to let your property. The license you need depends on the borough your property is in, so make sure you’ve checked with your local council to ensure you are letting your property legally.
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct licence, otherwise you may face a penalty.
Smoke alarms
As a landlord you are legally required to install smoke alarms in your rental property and you may also be required to install carbon monoxide detectors where necessary. You need to ensure they are in working order at the start of the tenancy and have documentation to prove this, whether that's confirmed by the tenants when they move in or in the inventory.
Energy Performance Certificate
Every rental property in the UK is required to have an EPC and a new certificate should be produced every 10 years – with the exception of when you have made significant changes and improvements to the property and you are required to have a new one drawn up.
You need an EPC to be able to market the property and you must show this at the start of every new tenancy to your tenants and have written proof that they have seen it.
Find out how Foxtons can help with property management London.
