As a landlord, it’s easy to get bogged down by details. From legal obligations to repairs and maintenance, EPC ratings to tenancy deposit schemes, there’s a lot to keep on top of. And if you own more than one rental property, things can get even more overwhelming.
At Brookings, we know that being a landlord involves a lot more than handing tenants a set of keys and waiting for the rent to roll in. Letting out a property can feel like a full-time job, so we’ve put together a quick guide of some of the essential tasks you need to get done as a responsible, compliant landlord.
Read on to find out more about what you must legally provide and what you should provide
Before a Tenancy Starts
The first step to renting out your property is to make sure it is in good repair and to carry out any maintenance works. Check for any potential risks to health and safety and rectify any such issues that could cause accidents such as broken windows, loose floorboards, unsecure doors and so on.
If your tenants have children, be sure to check the safety of any installed blinds, especially if they have chords (not recommended). Wherever you can prevent an accident, be sure to do so.
Before a property is deemed safe to rent out, smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor. Carbon monoxide alarms must also be provided in rooms where there are any gas appliances. Make sure these work at the start of the tenancy and set yourself a reminder to check them periodically. These installations are required by law.
If the property is rented out with furnishings, be sure to only supply fire-safe items. You could also provide fire safety equipment such as an extinguisher and make sure tenants are aware of safety procedures in the event of a fire.
Checks and Certificates
Annual: You must provide tenants with an up-to-date gas safety certificate at the start of a tenancy and every year thereafter. This check is performed by a registered gas safety engineer who will assess all gas appliances in the home to ensure they are in good working order.
Annual: If you offer tenants a furnished or part furnished property and provide appliances such as a kettle, toaster, television and so on, these must all be PAT (portable appliance test) tested annually to make sure they are in safe working order.
Every 5 Years: All electrics within a property must be safely and properly installed and every five years, you must provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to prove this. A copy of the EICR must be given to tenants at the start of every new tenancy.
Every 10 years: As a landlord, you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your rental property. This is valid for ten years and must be provided to tenants at the start of every new tenancy. An EPC sets out how energy efficient a property is, which is an indicator of how low (or high) energy costs will be. All rental properties must have a minimum of an E rating by law.
Protect Yourself
Landlord insurance exists to protect your interests and your property. It’s set up to cover any damage or unforeseen issues to your investment and can cover you for any missed rent payments. In fact, landlord insurance can be set up to give you as much (or as little) protection as you like.
Like any insurance, there will be a monthly payment, however many landlords choose to overlook this and get lumbered with huge costs in the event of any issues arising.
How Can Brookings Help
We look after landlords throughout East London and Essex and in the following areas: Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Barking, Dagenham and Havering. We are an experienced team of letting agents and work alongside exceptional property managers who deal with anything from rent collection to repairs for our landlords.
We would love to help you let out your property and would be more than happy to discuss our management services to ease the burden and stress of renting out a property.
Give us a call on 0208 591 9088 so we can discuss your rental needs today.
