Landlord AdviceHelpfull information for any landlord.

Landlord Accreditation
Accreditation is a set of standards (or code) relating to the management or physical condition of privately rented accommodation. Landlords who join a scheme and abide by the standards are 'accredited'. Accreditation schemes are voluntary. There is no compulsion for landlords to join, but there may be many advantages, including:

• Distancing themselves from incompetent or unscrupulous landlords
• The business advantage of advertising their accredited status to tenants who place emphasis on good quality and well managed accommodation.

Incentives offered vary from scheme to scheme but may include:

• A liaison officer who can help landlords to deal with any department of
  the local authority.
• consultation on proposals that may affect landlords, such as changes to legislation or local housing strategies.
• Access to grants and loans to renovate properties to relevant standards set by the scheme.
• Advice on how to tackle anti-social behaviour.
• discounts and group purchase on goods and services such as property insurance.

What benefits are there for tenants?

Tenants can benefit from knowing that if they choose to rent from an accredited landlord, the property will be in good condition and the tenancy will be managed to a high standard.

Who operates accreditation schemes?

Most schemes are run by local authorities - usually the housing or environmental health department. Contact your local council for advice about accreditation schemes that may be operating in your area.

What do I need to let my property?

When renting out a property, it is vital that you are aware of your legal rights and obligations. When you let your property to a tenant, the tenancy is automatically a assured shorthold tenancy- unless you agree otherwise in writing.

Assured Shorthold tenancy
A assured shorthold tenancy means that:

• You have a guaranteed right to get your property back after six months if you need to.
• You can charge a 'market rate' for rent, that is, the going rate for similar property in the area.
• You can get your property back if your tenant owes you at least two months or eight weeks rent.
• You can evict tenants who are causing a nuisance to local people .

How long does an assured shorthold tenancy have to last?
That is for you to agree with your tenant. You can agree that it should last for a set period (known as a 'fixed term') or you can leave it open-ended.

How do you get your property back?
You can end the tenancy without giving a reason at any time after six months, provided any fixed term you agreed to has ended. You need to give your tenant at least two months written notice that you want your property back. You can end the tenancy at any time on certain grounds (reasons) for possession set out in legislation. These include rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, and damage by the tenant. The length of the written notice you must give will depend on which ground you are using.

What if the tenant won't leave?
Most tenants do. You cannot evict a tenant yourself, but you can apply to the County Court to get your property back. Where the fixed term has ended you can use an accelerated possession procedure which can avoid the need for a court hearing. Whether you are a landlord or tenant, it is vital that you are aware of your legal rights and obligations. The law protects both parties and does not permit you to "take the law into your own hands", irrespective of circumstances. It is important that landlords fully understand their obligations. The Disability Discrimination Act, Sex Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act also apply to anyone letting, selling or managing premises. If you are in doubt about anything seek legal advice.

What is the landlord responsible for?

• Repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water installations, basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary installation.
• The safety of gas and electrical appliances.
• The fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided under the tenancy.
• Ensuring that the property is fit for habitation repairing and keeping in working order the room and water heating equipment.
• The common areas in multi-occupancy dwellings.

What is the tenant responsible for?

• Paying the rent as agreed and taking proper care of the property.
• Bills for gas electricity, telephone, etc if this was agreed with your landlord.
• In most cases, paying the council tax, water and sewerage charges.

 

Insurance
Assuming that the correct insurance policies are in place, problems such as late rent to property damage can be covered and minimise any cost in repair and also ensure that rental income lost is reduced to a bare minimum.

We will only refer to insurance policies available from our insurance partner, although there are other plans available from other sources, but be aware that letting insurance is regarded as specialised and many main-stream insurance companies will not provide insurance cover. This is why it is essential to inform your insurance company of your intention to Let since letting may invalidate your current policy.

Insurance can be broken down into three areas;

Buildings
Contents
Rent guarantee & legal expenses schemes.

The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the building is insured at all times. Not only does our building policy provide various aspects of building insurance, but also provides the landlord with essential property owners & employer liability cover to the value of £5,000,000 and £10,000,000 respectively. This is essential in case of a claim made by either the tenant or contractors employed in your property.

Both the landlord & tenant must have contents insurance, although usually the landlord has a minimal contents policy. This is to ensure that either party is covered for damage to the others property. Various levels of insurance cover are available, no excess/malicious damage etc. Please ask for advice on choosing these policies.