Resources
We have detailed below some tips and useful links. If you have any useful tips that you would like to pass on to other users of this site please let us know by our contact page.
Your responsibilities as a landlord:
It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that the property is 'fit for habitation'. As well as generally maintaining the property and arranging for any repairs to be done, you must ensure that the property is free from damp and has good ventilation, drainage and sewerage systems.
You are responsible for ensuring that there is adequate water and heating and that the equipment is in good working order. Toilets, basins, baths, sinks and drainage must be well maintained. If you do not meet the criteria and the property puts your tenant's health at risk he may be able to take legal action.
As a landlord, you will be required to ensure that the property complies with fire regulations such as installing smoke detectors, ideally on all floors, and possibly fire doors. You should install a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen. To find out further information about fire regulations and other regulations that may apply, contact the local authority.
Ensure that any furniture and furnishing that you provide if you are letting the property as furnished accommodation, complies with the Furniture and Furnishing Regulations. Be particularly wary if you buy or are given second-hand furniture. It must meet the 'match test' that now forms part of the Fire Safety Regulations.
If the property has gas installed or gas appliances, they must be checked annually by someone who is registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). You must keep a record of the checks and show them to your tenant within 28 days of the inspection. If your tenant owns gas appliances of his own, he is responsible for maintaining them.
Any electrical equipment that you supply with the let, from immersion heaters to kettles, must be in good repair and safe to use. You should arrange PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) and make available instruction booklets with any new electrical equipment that you supply.
To find out about the tax implications of renting out a property, ask the Inland Revenue for a copy of booklet IR 150 'Taxation of Rents: A Guide to Property Income' http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/contactus/contact-forms.htm
Useful Links and resources:
General Information on Letting
• Association of Residential Letting Agents
• National Landlords Association
Health and Safety Information
• Furniture and furnishings regulations (.PDF download)
• The Health & Safety Executive Gas Regulations for Landlords
Letting Agents
• Maidstone and Maidstone Property Management
Other Useful Links
• HolidayCity Zurich Hotels and Accommodation - Reservation for Zurich hotels, accommodation, and apartments at discounted rates
• roomsDB.net - rent a room in Singapore
Problem Tenants
Tenancy Agreements
• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
• Landlordzone.co.uk
• Lettings-landlords.co.uk
• Tenant-agreement.co.uk
