FAQs

Do I need to get a licence to let my property?

Check whether you need a license from your local council before renting out your property as it will be illegal to rent your property if a licence is required.

‘Selective Licensing’ – The Housing Act 2004 introduced this to help ensure landlords maintain their rental properties to a good standard, especially in areas which are experiencing low housing demand and/or suffering from anti-social behaviour.

How much can I rent my property for?

It goes without saying but get to know your market and find out how much similar properties in your area are being let for so you can set your rent accordingly or allow us to do all the hard work for you!

Remember you will need to decide whether to let the property as furnished or unfurnished. A property that is empty is more appealing to most prospective tenants, but students are unlikely to have accumulated enough belongings to furnish a house.

What are my Legal responsibilities as a landlord?

It is not easy being a landlord, did you know there are currently around 145 pieces of legislation you need to follow when letting a property. By law, you must ensure your property is fit for purpose and the safety of your tenants is top priority. Take a look below about some of the responsibilities you have as a landlord:

ELECTRICAL – On 1 June 2020 the electrical safety standards came into force on. They set out new rules to ensure all fixed electrical installations are safe and maintained correctly.

GAS SAFETY – this has to be carried out once a year, research showed that more than one in three private landlords did not know it was their responsibility to get gas appliances checked.

RIGHT TO RENT CHECKS – In England, landlords are expected to carry out Right to Rent checks in line with the Immigration Act. You must check whether your tenants have the right to lawfully live in the UK—failure to do so can lead to a fine or jail term.

What is a tenancy agreement?

Tenancy agreements – It’s considered best practice to give a tenancy agreement in the UK. The agreement outlines everyone’s responsibilities but remember, just because something’s in the agreement and signed, doesn’t mean it’s enforceable. In England, when issuing the tenancy agreement, tenants must also be provided with a copy of How to rent: the checklist for renting in England.

Do I have to protect my deposit?

DEPOSIT If you take a deposit from your tenant, you must protect it in a Government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. The most common used schemes are the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).

Deposits must be protected within 30 days of receipt. Tenancy deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000, and six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more. 

Once protected, the ‘Prescribed Information’ generated must be served to the tenant; it outlines the scheme used and whether its insurance based or custodial. Failure to protect a deposit will lead to problems over eviction, the full return of the deposit and a fine of up to three times the value of the deposit.

Do I have to get Landlord insurance?

It is a must if you let out your property specialist policies available to landlords to protect you against any losses. If you are new to letting a property, make sure your current buildings and contents insurer is aware that you are letting your property otherwise it could invalidate your policy.

Whilst insurance can seem expensive, the savings and compensation offered in the long run is invaluable. Let us shop around for different insurance providers to find a deal that’s right for you. Whether you need Buildings insurance, loss of rent insurance, rent guarantee insurance, liability insurance etc. let us do the hard work for you.

Do I have to go to court to evict a tenant?

In some cases, you might need to take a tenant to court for non-payment of rent or Anti-Social behaviour. Some insurance policies will cover potential legal costs as a result of being a landlord. However, by ensuring your responsibilities are upheld and you have followed the law correctly, you should avoid court altogether. Let us help you with the legal process of getting your property back.

Do I need to do an inventory?

By doing a detail inventory, you will always avoid disputes. A properly prepared inventory sets the scene for what you provide at the start of the tenancy. It plays a significant role in protecting both you and your tenant. A complete inventory will help avoid disputes, whilst any such dispute that does arise at the end of the tenancy can be more easily resolved.

Is it good to carry out regular inspections?

Apart from your legal duties to carry out electrical and gas safety inspections, it is also a good idea to do regular inspections of your property. We can help carry out these inspections as part of our services. Remember you cannot legally enter the property without the tenant’s permission, and it is best practice to grant them 48 hours’ written notice which should be stipulated in your tenancy agreement.

Am I allowed to keep spare copies of the keys to my property?

It is always a good idea to keep spare copies of keys, so ensure you have spares for all the, windows, doors, gas supply and electricity meters (keys/cards). It’s also worth taking a photocopy of the instruction manuals for the boiler, cooker, white goods, thermostat, or house alarm so tenants know how to use them properly.

Who is responsible for the repairs to my property?

The landlord is always responsible for repairs to the property’s structure and exterior. Other things included but not limited to are the basins, sinks, baths, and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains, the heating and hot water, gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation and electrical wiring. Remember any damage caused by attempting repairs are also the landlord’s responsibility. Landlords are also responsible for all communal areas.

For tenants – they should always check the tenancy agreement and with the landlord first. If a tenant damages anything intentionally or by mistake e.g., if they sat on a radiator and it fell off the wall, the tenant is responsible for paying for the repairs. The tenant is also responsible for paying to put right any damage caused by their family and friends.