Guide for Landlords
Before letting your property, there are several important matters that you, as the property owner, need to handle to ensure a smooth-running tenancy and full legal compliance. Below is a summary of the key steps to take. If you need further assistance or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Preparing the Property
A good relationship with tenants is essential for a smooth tenancy. While we manage this relationship as property managers, tenants should feel comfortable and secure in their temporary home. A well-maintained and presented property can help achieve higher rental income and tenants are more likely to treat it with respect.
General Condition:
Ensure that the electrical, gas, plumbing, waste, heating, and hot water systems are safe, functional, and in good working order. The landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance unless misuse is proven. Interior decorations should be in good condition and neutral in tone (plain, light colours are recommended).
Furnishing:
Your property can be let fully furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished. The level of furnishing depends on the type of property and local market conditions. At a minimum, you should provide decent quality carpets, curtains, and light fittings. Remember, wear and tear is inevitable, so choose furnishings carefully.
Personal Items:
Remove personal possessions such as ornaments, pictures, books, etc., from the property, particularly those with sentimental or financial value. Any non-essential items can be boxed and stored in the loft at your own risk. All cupboards and shelf spaces should be left clear for tenants’ use.
Garden:
Ensure the garden is neat, tidy, and free from rubbish with any lawns freshly cut. While tenants are responsible for maintaining the garden, it is often helpful to provide them with the necessary tools. If you value your garden or if it's large, we can arrange for regular visits from a professional gardener.
Cleaning:
The property should be thoroughly cleaned at the start of the tenancy. Tenants are expected to return the property in a similar condition at the end of their lease. If the tenant fails to do so, we will arrange cleaning at their expense.
General Condition: Ensure that the electrical, gas, plumbing, waste, heating, and hot water systems are safe, functional, and in good working order. The landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance unless misuse is proven. Interior decorations should be in good condition and neutral in tone (plain, light colours are recommended).
Information for the Tenant
Providing clear instructions will make tenants feel more comfortable:
Operating Systems:
Leave clear instructions for operating essential systems like heating, hot water, washing machines, and alarm systems.
Refuse Collection:
Inform tenants about refuse collection days.
Keys
You should provide one set of keys per tenant. If we manage the property, we can arrange for duplicates as needed.
Other Considerations
You should provide one set of keys per tenant. If we manage the property, we can arrange for duplicates as needed.
Mortgage:
If the property is mortgaged, ensure you have written consent from your mortgage provider to let the property. Your mortgage provider may require additional clauses in the tenancy agreement.
Leasehold:
If you are a leaseholder, check your lease terms and obtain any necessary written consent before letting the property.
Insurance:
Ensure you have the appropriate Buildings and Contents Insurance for a rental property. Failure to notify your insurer may invalidate your coverage. We also offer Landlord Legal Protection, Rent Guarantee Cover, and tailored Landlord Insurance
Bills and Regular Outgoings:
We recommend setting up standing orders or direct debits for regular bills (e.g., service charges, maintenance contracts). With our management service, we can assist with payment of certain bills on your behalf, provided the bills are addressed to your name and adequate funds are available.
Council Tax and Utility Accounts:
We will arrange for the transfer of Council Tax and utility accounts to the tenant. We’ll take meter readings and ensure your final accounts are settled. However, some providers (e.g., British Telecom) will need direct instruction from both you and the tenant.
Income Tax:
If you're a UK resident, it is your responsibility to inform Revenue & Customs of rental income and pay the appropriate tax. If you’re a non-UK resident landlord, you must obtain an exemption certificate from Revenue & Customs before you can receive rental income without tax deductions. We can help you with the exemption process.
The Inventory
An inventory and schedule of condition are crucial to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy. This record ensures you can prove any loss, damage, or deterioration. We can arrange for one of our team to prepare a comprehensive inventory at the cost outlined in our Agency Agreement.
By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your property is ready for letting, legally compliant, and well-maintained throughout the tenancy.
If you need any assistance with the preparation or have questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us
What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy?
Most tenancies will automatically be Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), provided the rent is under £100,000 a year and the property is let to private individuals. Tenancies are usually granted for an initial fixed term of either 6 to 12 months. When the fixed term has expired the landlord is able to regain possession of the property provided he gives two months written notice to the tenant.
New rules on gaining possession via Section 21 apply to tenancies created on or after 1 October 2015. For more details please speak to one of our representatives.