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Landlord Obligations

Updated: Apr 14, 2023

If you rent out a property in London, Croydon, Lambeth or any where in the UK then you are a landlord. Congratulations.


There are certain responsibilities that you must adhere to as a landlord in order to comply with the UK law.

Information:

  • A tenancy agreement should be written up and agreed by both parties

  • The landlord must provide the tenant with contact details including the landlord's full name and address or the details of the letting agent

  • Both you, the landlord and the tenant should have a copy of this as well as a copy of the inventory check list (if applicable)

  • The tenant must also receive a copy of the Government’s - How to rent guide

  • It is the landlord's responsibility to ensure that the tenant has the right to legally rent your property.  


Safety:

  • Ensure that your rental property is free from health hazards and safe

  • All gas and electrical equipment should be safely installed and maintained

  • The property should have an Energy Performance Certificate

It is your responsibility to ensure the following:

  • that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and tested on a regular basis

  • fire safety regulations for flats or multiple occupancy houses should be strictly adhered to

Deposit:

  • Your tenant’s deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme

  • Deposits are to be returned in full at the end of the tenancy unless there is a dispute regarding damages to the property or any unpaid rent

Financial responsibilities:

As a UK landlord, you will have to comply with the following:

  • report your rental income on your income tax

  • register for Class 2 National insurance if renting out your property counts as a running a business

  • if you still have a mortgage on the property you want to rent out, you must first obtain permission from your mortgage lender before you do so

  • you will still be responsible for the monthly mortgage payments

Maintenance and repairs:

It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that the property is kept in good condition. At Aston Pearl when you sign your property with us make sure your property is maintained to the standard you hand it to us in. All gas and electrical systems must meet specified safety standards.


Landlords in the UK are responsible for the following:

  • hot water and heating systems

  • sanitary fittings such as basins, sinks, baths and toilets

  • damages caused due to your attempt at repairs

  • the internal and external structure of the property

  • in the case of a block of flats, common areas such as staircases

If you as the landlord refuse to carry out repairs, the tenant can:

  • carry out the repairs and then make a deduction of the cost from their rent

  • claim for repairs under £5,000 through the small claims court

  • ask the council to inspect the property under the HHSRS - Housing Health and Safety Rating System. If there are serious hazards or safety issues found - the HHSRS will enforce that the issue be resolved


When and why you can enter the property:

As you are the legal owner of the property, you have a legal right to enter the property with your tenant's permission for valid reasons such as inspecting it or carrying out repairs and maintenance.

Other than an emergency, you should give your tenants at least 24 hours notice before entering the property. The tenants have the right to be in the property during the time that you are there.


COVID-19

COVID-19 does not affect your legal responsibility as a landlord, however, it is advised that you should follow government guidelines and only enter the property for urgent issues.


What happens if the property is temporarily unfit to live in?

Tenants can be asked to move out during repairs before this is done, you should have a written agreement confirming the following:

  • duration of the repairs

  • the tenants right to return to the property

  • if applicable, the details of any alternative accommodation

  • Tenants are able to claim a reduction of rent (rent abatement) f the repairs are too disruptive, depending on how much of the property is unusable

London & Surrey Landlords

Let us take the headache away of rentals.

We guarantee landlords rental income :

- Rental income from day one regardless of tenants or not.

- No voids - just regular monthly rental income into your bank account

- No commission fee's.


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