Landlord's Responsibilities

As a landlord you will need to consider many points when letting your property, we try to assist you in dealing with the many aspects and some of your concerns are covered below:

Council Tax

Once let, we inform the council and the liability to pay ongoing charges falls on the tenant. If a property remains empty and unfurnished it is allowed to remain so for six months between tenants before the landlord will incur charges. Likewise, if a property remains empty and furnished there will always be ongoing charges to the landlord. We are bound to inform the authorities of all changes in circumstances.

Main Services

This refers to gas, water and electricity charges. Prior to and between any tenancies these services are your responsibility. As soon as we let your property the local service centres are informed and the tenants resume responsibility for further usage of each service.

Mortgage/Borrowing

Does the property that you are considering to let out have a mortgage or borrowing against it? If so, it is your responsibility to approach your bank, building society or mortgage lender to ask permission to let out the property.

Insurance

Once we let your property you will need to inform your current insurers that you are letting. Please be aware that some insurers will require additional premiums or limit their risk.

Taxes - Your Position

As with any income there is a responsibility to pay tax on rental income. Normally at your standard rate. You can, of course, set your expenses and our fees against your Tax Liability.

Going to live abroad?
You will then be classed as a Non-Resident Landlord. Please ensure you ask for the relevant form. Failure to do so will mean that we will have you deduct tax at source.

Fair Wear and Tear

Please be aware that over a period of time all property suffers depreciation in decor and serviceability. Doors and general woodwork will inevitably suffer more in the winter months. This is counted as Fair Wear and Tear which is your responsibility (being the landlord) to maintain.

Through our careful vetting of tenants negligent damage is low. However, from time to time accidents happen. Any damage that occurs through a fault of the tenant is firmly the responsibility of the tenant and as your agent we will deal with these matters (to the best of our ability).

Emergency Repairs

It is the tenants responsibility to report to us any problems that may occur at the property. If any of these problems should be deemed to be of an urgent nature i.e. water leak, toilet not working, no electricity etc, then we act as soon as possible to get a maintenance person to attend this situation. We ask that they put the situation in order, but, should it be more involved than first meets the eye it is their responsibility to advise us in order to pass this information on to you, the landlord.

Safety

All gas appliances need to be inspected and a certificate issued by a CORGI registered engineer prior to the letting of the property. This has to be renewed annually.

A Landlords Electrical Safety Check must also be carried out on all major electrical appliances, (basically anything with a plug) as well as the general safety of the wiring and sockets by a NICEIC registered electrical engineer. The inspection of the wiring must be renewed every five years and the appliances inspected annually.

Soft furnishings and furniture must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. They must bear a permanent label confirming fire resistance or compliance with British Standards (BS7177). Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to £5000 or six months imprisonment for the landlord or agent. We recommend that properties are let unfurnished as a result of this legislation.

We must insist you have smoke alarms fitted and checked regularly. The detectors should comply with BS5446 (Part 1). We also advise that you put a small wall mounted extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen area.

For general safety it is advisable for you as the landlord to carry out a Risk Assessment on your property prior to it being let out. Especially any trip hazards or pond areas.

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