Residential Landlord Advice, Resources, FAQs, Property Guide

Bricks & Mortar News from Sydenham Estate Agents. South London residential property experts since 1975
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Today’s market is particularly hard to predict but whether you’re an accidental landlord or a professional landlord there are a few tips to remember.

What should I do first?

Do as much online research as possible and take time to visit local estate agents, who have a much better idea of which areas and properties are in demand and what tenants are really looking for. Ask for a free property valuation and advice on how you could make your property appeal to the widest possible audience and increase your monthly rental income.

When should I ask the experts?

Before you put your property on the market, find out how your letting agent plans to market your property. You could always pretend to be a potential tenant (or send a friend to do a recky for you).

How can I make my tenancy more appealing?

Consider longer tenancy periods as these will tie your tenant in for longer. Longer agreements can encourage your tenants to take better care of a property. (NB build property checks into your agreement).

After the initial tenancy period has passed does it become a rolling contract or do I need to issue another tenancy agreement?

The only reason to re-issue a further contract is bind the tenant into another fixed term. Without a further tenancy agreement the current obligations and rights stay the same.

I have not increased the rent for sometime, so how do I introduce a rent rise?

The rent can’t be increased during the fixed term of a short hold tenancy agreement. Once it ends you can introduce a rent rise as part and parcel of a new agreement. If the tenant won’t enter into a new agreement then according to the law you can bring the tenancy to an end.

I have found a buyer for my house but I want to wait to see if house prices fall any further before buying, what should I do?

You could rent a property on an assured short hold tenancy agreement for a six or twelve month period while you consider your options.

I would like to let my property but it has a mortgage on it. Am I allowed to do this?

Check with your mortgage provider, as most mortgage lenders have a clause in the mortgage contract prohibiting you letting out the property without their prior permission.

What are my responsibilities as a Landlord?

Ensure that a tenant moves in to a clean property.
Make sure that plumbing and heating are functional and well maintained. All gas boilers must have annual maintenance checks and a certificate issued. The tenant must have sight of this.
Any mains connected smoke alarms should be checked as working annually.
If you let a property part –furnished or fully furnished ensure that furniture meets current fire regulations. Check furniture labelling to be sure. Also make sure that you provide an inventory and get it signed off by the tenant, it also helps to include notes as the current condition of furnishings.
If you are the landlord for a block of flats or whole house split into flats you will be responsible for the common areas – cleaning, lighting and maintenance.
If you provide the T.V then you should provide the licence. However within the tenancy agreement you can state that the tenant buys it. The snag is that if they fail to get a licence you could both be prosecuted.

Labels: landlords