Ten Top Legal Tips For Landlords

There is an increasing amount of new legislation that is continuing to come into force regarding the private rented sector. Other than major changes and new legislation there are many other rules and regulations that a landlord must follow when letting out a property. Below is a list of 10 top legal tips for landlords who are or planning to enter into the rental market.

1. Make sure you that you have at least the basic knowledge of your legal requirements and responsibilities before letting out your property.
2. Make sure that your property is neat and tidy and in good state of repair, before letting it out. Also if the property is furnished, that the furniture/electrical items comply to the relevant legislation.
3. If there are gas appliances in the property. You must get a gas safety certificate from a CORGI registered plumber. This certificate must be renewed every 12 months.

4. Have a good tenancy agreement, which outlines the tenants and your own (landlords) obligations. Take into consideration any new changes to the law that may be coming up.
5. If your property falls under a HMO, then seek advice from your local authority, who can give you advice as to what criteria and requirements you need to fulfil before letting. They will also let you know if your property will need a license.
6. Carry out a good property inspection and fill in an INVENTORY of all the items and their conditions in the property before handing over the keys. Make sure you note down any damage that already exists. This will be highly important when the new law regarding deposits comes into force in April 2007.
7. If the property is mortgaged, then make sure you make the lender aware that you are renting the property out and get the necessary consent from them.
8. When taking out insurance for the property, let the insurance company know that it is being let out and make sure that your policy has the necessary cover for you if things go wrong. Specialist insurance providers will be able to advise you.
9. If the tenant fails to pay rent or breaks any other conditions of the tenancy agreement, take the relevant steps, by issuing a section 21 or section 8 notice requiring possession of the property. You should do this as soon as you feel the tenant may cause you problems, as the longer you leave it the more out of pocket you may become.
10. Finally, you should not enter a property without the tenants consent. If you believe the tenant has vacated the property, you must follow certain steps before you can take possession of the property. You should obtain a repossession order from the county court. Remember it is a criminal offence to unlawfully evict a tenant.

H.U.H Property Management are specialists in residential lettings and property management, we can provide a tailor made service to each and individual landlord from start to finish. We also have our own legal department that can deal with problem tenants and help you to take