Legal responsibility.
Within the UK, Landlords have quite a few legal responsibilities to ensure their tenants safety and comfort.
Repairs and maintenance are the landlord’s responsibility ensuring that your property is safe and habitable should be your number one priority. Maintaining the structure, plumbing, gas and electricity as well as keeping the property free of hazards.
Gas service checks should be carried out annually
Electrical installation condition reports should be carried out every five years
You must provide working smoke alarms on every floor of the property and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel appliances (such as wood burners). They must also ensure that furniture and furnishings meet fire safety regulations.
Eligibility.
What to ensure you are eligible to become a landlord? First and foremost you need to own a property – this could be a house, a flat, or a room in your home (HMO House in multiple occupation).
If you have a mortgage, make sure to check your lender’s term and conditions – if you have a buy-to-let mortgage, you’re already set to rent out the property.
The rights of your tenants.
It’s important to understand tenant rights; these rights may differ depending on where in the UK you are renting your property.
Right to a written agreement
Your tenants will have the right to a tenancy agreement with clearly outlined terms and conditions. It is strongly recommended to have a written agreement that includes key information such as details on rent, length of tenancy and obligations.
Right to Privacy
Your tenants have the right to privacy, and landlords are not allowed to enter the rented property tenants permission or a property notice (usually 24 hours)
Right to Protection from Discrimination
Tenants cannot be discriminated against based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or family status. It’s illegal for landlords to refuse to rent a property based on these factors.
Right to Challenge Poor Conditions or Unlawful Practices
If a tenant feels that their landlord is not fulfilling their responsibilities (e.g., failing to carry out repairs), they have the right to report this to the local council. If necessary, tenants can take legal action through a tribunal to seek compensation for issues like poor conditions.
Being hands on.
Depending on your home and what is needed, being hands on can differ. Some landlords with multiple properties will employ a property manager to deal with a lot of the day-to-day maintenance and requests of tenants.
There are a lot more essential steps to becoming a landlord however as a base understanding tenant agreements and how you can manage the day to day maintenance will ensure you are ready to begin the process.