A Checklist for Landlords in the UK

Renting out your property to a tenant is a great way to make some good money on the side. If you own property in the UK, you can easily put out an advert and rent the place out to a tenant. In fact, you can also rent out a room in your house to a paying guest. As a landlord, there are strict guidelines that you must follow before renting out property to a tenant. It’s your responsibility to provide tenants with decent living quarters. There are certain things that are recommended, while others are mandatory. Before letting out your property to a tenant, keep the following things in mind.

Health and Safety Checks

One of the most important guidelines for landlords is to carry out detailed checks for the health and safety of your tenants. The tenants have the option of filing a lawsuit if they feel that the place is unfit for living in. Before letting out the place, it’s important for you to carry out an electrical and gas safety check. All electrical points will need to be tested in order to reduce the risks of a short circuit. A gas safety check is essential to ensure that gas isn’t leaking anywhere in the house. You will also need to install carbon monoxide testers and alarms in the house. It’s also mandatory for you to carry out a risk assessment of Legionnaire’s Disease in the house. It’s recommended that all necessary repairs are carried out before the tenant arrives.

Fire Safety Checks

Fire hazards pose a serious problem, and it’s important for you to install fire alarms on every floor of the house, including the main living areas. The fire alarms should be tested thoroughly before the tenancy period begins. It’s also recommended that you install other safety equipment around the house, including extinguishers, safety doors and fire blankets.

Deposit Safety

The security deposit is the amount that the tenant will pay before moving into your property. The security deposit is designed to protect you in case the tenant causes undue harm to your property. In case the tenant causes damage to your property, you can simply deduct the cost of repairs from their security deposit. However, as a landlord, it’s your responsibility to keep the tenant’s deposit safe. You should consider registering with a government-backed deposit protection scheme. You should transfer the deposit to the scheme within 30 days of registration and then provide the relevant details.

You should also consider registering with the local council in order to get proper accreditation as a landlord. Joining reputable associations such as the National Landlords Association is a great option. There are several other responsibilities that you should be aware of as a landlord. You must keep the receipts of all rental payments, and also make sure that your property has an energy performance certificate. You can also apply for landlord insurance to protect yourself from unnecessary expenditure.