UK Rentals Landlord Tips and Advice
Much notice is taken when a tenant receives poor treatment at the hands of a tyrannical landlord, who bends the rules in order to dominate the tenant. What happens when a landlord is having problems dealing with a troublesome tenant and needs a helping hand? Finding a reliable tenant is very difficult and a proverbial minefield to navigate. People do not realize what a full-time job being a landlord can be and are often unaware of the difficulties associated with it.
Maintaining the Surroundings
The first port of call for a landlord is to ensure all electrical and gas devices are up to standard and safe, or he could be liable in the event of an accident. Making sure the electrical wiring and the gas boiler meet safety standards is the most important role of the job. The property will in many cases be furnished, and it is the job of the landlord to maintain an inventory list, detailing every item in the property. If goods are damaged by general wear and tear, it is his responsibility to replace or repair it. The same goes for external items, such as roof tiles, drainage and guttering. If the tenant damages any goods, it is his job to make them replace it, or replace it himself and deliver the bill to them
House Insurance
You must notify your house insurance company of any proposed idea to sub-let, because your premiums could be affected. Remember to cover yourself for third party/ public liability, in case the tenants make a claim against you for accidents that were caused by defects from your property. There are specialized insurance packages designed to protect landlords against rent arrears, and, in some situations, legal expenses to cover you from legal action from the tenants. In most cases, the house insurance will only cover you, and the tenant will have to find their own insurance package for themselves.
Written Agreement
Everything you and your potential tenant discuss should be taken down in writing and agreed to, so everybody knows where he or she stands and what is expected of them. This will cover the responsibilities of you and your tenant, and everything needs to be agreed and signed by both parties before any transaction is made. This not only protects your interests, but also those of the tenant, because 98% of all landlord/tenant relationships are very good and productive, amounting in no problems whatsoever.
View answers to similar questions
Advice on finding room to rent in UK - what things to look for when viewing a room please?
Hi all,
I'm looking to find a room, to rent (am in UK) and to move into next month and would like some advice / tips on this please.
How does a person find a safe and good landlord and flatmate, when looking for a room?
Can a tenancy agreement be arranged?
What does the tenant have to pay?
How does the tenant pay to landlord?
What are good reputable sites to search for room rentals?
Can a person get a room through a letting agent?
Can a person leave a room, if they don't like it say within a few weeks to a month and go and find another room to rent?
Can you rent a room if you are unemployed and looking for jobs? (part of reason I am moving to go live nearer to places where can get jobs as had no luck here)
Plus what things should I look out for, when I go to view the room?
Sorry for all the questions, but would appreciate advice alot!
Thanks all :)))
Ooh, lots of questions..
You can certainly rent if unemployed (millions do) but your choice of properties will be limited by the fact that many landlords can not accept benefit claimant tenants for numerous reasons.
You will either get:
1) A tenancy agreement for your room only
2) A lodger agreement (if the landlord lives in the same property)
3) If a group of you join up, you can get a joint tenancy agreement on a whole house.
1 & 3 (and often 2) will have a minimum term - usually 6 months - during which you can not leave. Well you can leave but you have to pay the full terms rent.
1 & 3 are often available through letting agents
What is included varies, but expect to pay rent, council tax and utilities
In order of security, go 1, 2 & 3
1 has most security, but you have no control over who your flat mates are.
2 has almost no security, but is usually the most flexible and often cheapest. The 6 month minimum does not always apply in this situation.
3 has security, but you will be liable for your flatmates actions and debts regarding the tenancy.
These sites may be of interest but you will find that agents often give a better choice and higher quality (for which you will end up paying a big fee)
http://www.tenantstips.com/Home/DSS-DHSS-properties-to-rent-on-housing-benefit2/DSS-search-for-houses-and-flats-accepting-DSS-DHSS-and-housing-benefit
http://rentdss.com/
http://www.gumtree.com/flats-houses
http://property.vivastreet.co.uk/real-estate
http://www.houseladder.co.uk/UK/Property_To_Let.aspx
http://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/search.pl? (select other search options)
Comments
I had a one bed flat which a lovely young couple rented. No problems whatsoever, they only called if there was an emergency. After they moved out, a man moved in. And he caused a massive fuzz for absolutely everything, even the tiniest of problems - lightbulbs needed changing, noisy bathroom fan, changing the settings on the boiler (he wouldn't even do that!) and so on. Unless I came immediately, he would keep calling me daily. Drove me mad, and I was happy to see him go when I sold the place in 2008. The lesson from this is what the article says - agree and write down what your responsibilities are, and what those of your tenant are. Just becuase your current tenant is a no-fuzz person doesn't mean the next one will be!