In This Guide
Administration
Being a landlord
1. Landlord responsibilities
2. Safety regulations
3. Tenant responsibilities
4. Landlord and tenant rights
5. Repairs and maintenance
Buy to let investment
Choosing the property
Finding tenants
Letting property
Lettings agents
Levels of service
Preparing the property
Problem tenants
Tenancy
Being a landlord
Tenant responsibilities
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The tenant has the following responsibilities:
The tenant must pay rent according to the amount and frequency
set out in the tenancy agreement.
Every UK domestic property has its own yearly council tax rate
based on the value of the property, the number of occupants, and
the financial status of those occupants. Properties are graded
in bands between A and H, according to the last figures the council
has for approximate values of the properties - their market value
on April 1, 1991.
Tenants are fully responsible for paying the council tax. Certain social groups, such as students, are exempt from paying council tax provided they fill out the correct forms and provide proof that they are in education. Single occupiers can get a 25% discount by applying to the local council at the Town Hall.
Where a house is in 'multiple occupation', the landlord is responsible for paying council tax, though you can incorporate it into the rent. For council tax purposes, a house in multiple occupation is a property that has been constructed or adapted for occupation by individuals who do not form a single household or who have separate tenancies or who pay rent for only part of the property.
This normally covers buildings that have been converted into flats, since the occupants of shared houses normally form a single household. If in doubt, contact your local authority.
The tenant is normally responsible for water rates if the property
is self contained. However, in blocks of converted flats, it is
common for the landlord to be responsible. Other landlords incorporate
the water rates into the rent. Responsibility should be set out
in the agreement, but if you run into difficulties or are unsure,
contact your local council for clarification.
It is usually the tenants' responsibility to arrange for the services
of the major utilities such as gas, electricity, telephone and
television. The responsibility for such bills should be clearly
stated in the tenancy agreement.
Problems may arise where outstanding bills exist prior to the start of a tenancy. Technically, the landlord should ensure that there are no debts attached to the property at the start of a tenancy period.
- Taking proper care of the property, keeping it in a good condition and using it in a reasonable way.
- Keep to the terms of the tenancy agreement, unless terms are a contravention of the tenant's rights in law.
- Unless stated in the tenancy agreement, the tenant is usually responsible for things like a private garden. You must leave them the appropriate tools and equipment if, for example, you wish them to mow the lawns.
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