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Rental Property Knowledge
Preparing Your Property
How to Let Guide for Landlords
This government guide explains your landlord responsibilities:
Housing Health & Safety Rating System Guidance
Check that your property is in good, hazard free and safe condition to let:
The Tenant Fees Act Guidance
Ensure that your tenants are not charged unfair fees. Tenancy and holding deposits are capped :
Preparing Necessary Checks & Certificates
Prepare the necessary checks and certificates for the property, the tenant will need to be supplied with a copy of the certificates at the start of the tenancy (or before). Diarise when the next inspections are due;
Gas Safety Check
Electrical Inspection Condition Report
Energy Performance Certificate
Install Smoke Alarms
(and carbon monoxide alarms where necessary). You must test these when the tenant moves in
Legionella in the Property
You must consider the risk of legionella in the property, SWLA recommend carrying out a legionella risk assessment and supplying tenants with a legionella advice sheet, both forms are available to download in the ‘members area’ of the SWLA website : White goods and all products, fixtures and fittings provided to your tenant must be checked for safety. It is a good idea to provide the user manual for each appliance to your prospective tenant. If you provide furniture, it must be fire resistant and have the required fire safety labels. Consider blind safety.
HMO Properties & Licensable Properties
If you have a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), you have additional responsibilities. Please refer to your Local Authority’s website where you will find the HMO management regulations. You may need to apply for an HMO licence.
Some non-HMO properties require a licence – check with your Local Authority if your property is in an area with selective licencing.
Prepare Your Finances & Insurance
Tax obligation information for landlords
Data Protection
Register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and comply with the UK data protection rules;
Landlord insurance
Landlord insurance protects your property. SWLA have worked closely with Oakfield Insurance Brokers (previously Excaliber Associates) and Landlord Direct (The Bateman Group) who are able to provide you with a range of specialist landlord property insurance policies from individual properties through to large property portfolios;
Setting Up a Tenancy
Ensure that your tenant has the correct contact details for you or your agent, including a telephone number they can use in case of an emergency. You are required to provide your tenant with your name and with an address, which must be in England or Wales, where they can serve you any notices. Usually, this information would be in within the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. All landlord documents and stationery can be found in the ‘members area’ of the SWLA website.
Letting via a letting agent – If using a letting agent check that they are;
- members of a professional body
- members of a redress scheme
- members of a client money protection scheme
Also, read through the contract that you are agreeing with the agent so you are fully aware of your and their responsibilities as a landlord/agent.
Right to Rent
Register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and comply with the UK data protection rules :
How to Rent Guide
this must be provided to your tenant at the start of the tenancy (or before) :
Tenancy Deposit
carefully comply with the tenancy deposit legislation. You have 30 days from the receipt of the deposit to lodge it with a deposit scheme and provide your tenant with the prescribed information (that’s the deposit certificate plus the terms and conditions of the scheme that you have chosen);
During the Tenancy
Landlord’s Repair Responsibilities
Tenancy Deposit Protection
The Deposit Protection Service
Tenancy Deposit Solutions
Electrical Safety Council
Electrical Safety Council
Membership
Information
Get In Touch
- SWLA, 30 Dale Road, Plymouth, PL4 6PD
- 01752 510913 + 24hr Voicemail
- info@landlordssouthwest.co.uk
- Mon - Fri: 10AM - 3PM
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