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