Becoming a landlord can seem like a foolproof way to make some extra money from another property you own, but the responsibilities that you have to your tenants can make it a difficult process. You have to provide a safe environment for your tenants to live in – as you would in your own home. With the introduction of the Homes Act, landlords have a legal obligation to make sure that the property remains safe and habitable for their tenants to live in.
Before You Rent Out the Property
You need to provide the most recent Gas Safety Certificate and the Energy Performance Certificate to your prospective tenants before they move into the property. You should also give them the current edition of the ‘How to Rent’ guide. The government website gives useful information. You need to demonstrate that the property is in a safe condition before they begin living there. Landlords should take a full inventory of their property before it is rented out. Using a property inventory software app makes this job quick and easy.
Check Your Tenant
It seems like a no- brainer, but the landlord must check that the tenant has the right to live in the UK. This ‘Right to Rent’ check is part of the Immigration Act of 2014 and may land you a hefty financial penalty if you do not make sure that your tenant has the right to live in your property.
Maintenance
Minor repairs are the responsibility of the tenant, but anything relating to the ‘bricks and mortar’ of the property falls under the responsibility of the landlord. The landlord is then responsible for the upkeep of the structure, heating, water supply and electricity pertaining to the property.
By performing an inventory using a property inventory software app such as that from https://inventorybase.co.uk/, you can keep tabs on the aspects you need to keep on top of.
It is a very important role of the landlord to ensure the ongoing safety of their tenants by making sure the relevant checks are routinely carried out. Such checks include annual gas safety testing carried out by a professional engineer as well as electricity and fire safety checks.
It is important to maintain a clear means of communication with your tenant for this reason.
