News
PREPARING TO BE A GOOD LANDLORD
Following the recent release of the Report for Social Housing commissioned
by the Government, it has been reported that people on lower incomes
are in a better situation in Council or housing association accommodation
than if they were in private landlord accommodation – private landlords
being given an unfair, questionable facade.
The days of a 1970’s ‘Rigsby’ landlord are gone and landlords now have a duty to supply adequate and decent accommodation at whatever level, with legislation in place to ensure this is carried out. So how exactly do you ensure that you are a good landlord? The Property Investor Show is at the NEC Birmingham at the end of March and has over 90 exhibitors giving landlords detailed advice on all issues.
However, there are a few simple ideas which can go towards making you into a model landlord and shaking off that seedy image. Firstly, before even buying a property check that repairs and fixes will be easy to access i.e. check that the fuse box is in the property, the location of the stop cock and that manhole covers are accessible and not either underneath years of solid concrete or in the middle of next doors garden.
Before your tenant moves in it is a legal requirement for you to have two tests carried out. One is a Gas Safety Certificate for all gas equipment including central heating, this must be carried out by a CORGI registered engineer. You will also need a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) on all electrical equipment left in the house. If your tenant electrocutes themselves whilst loading their washing machine and you haven’t got a PAT you could be facing a manslaughter charge!
As a landlord you have a duty to provide a property in a state of good repair and good decoration. This will only help you in the long run, giving the incoming tenant a clear vision of your standards and what will be expected at the end of the tenancy.
Some tenants will ignore minor problems, but a small water leak can soon be the cause of major damage if not treated. Always show tenants where the stop cock is and how to turn the gas off. Supplying them with a list of emergency contact numbers such as plumbers, electricians, gas engineers etc will help them to deal with a problem quickly and may just stop you getting a phone call just as you sit down for dinner. If repairs are not carried out quickly your tenant has the right to contact Environmental Health, and the ensuing enforcement order could include extra repairs and a very large bill!
If your property is managed then your agent should regularly check the building, but if you are managing it yourself it’s important to make regular visits to check for overflowing pipes, damp smells, flaking wallpaper, and short circuiting fuses – nipping a problem in the bud could stop it flourishing into a major disaster. Also remember that smoke detectors have to be checked every year. Remember that your tenant has the right to total privacy, so don’t just let yourself in half way though Coronation Street make sure that you give adequate notice when you want to visit the property.
An important point to being a good landlord is understanding your rights and responsibilities as well as understanding the rights of your tenant. Arming yourself with all this could make the difference between a fairly tidy property returned to you at the end of the tenancy or huge costs for redecoration and repair.
As well as exhibitors representing developers, legal experts, mortgage advisors and landlord associations The Property Investor Show, which runs 23rd – 25th March, will be running seminars throughout the day by renowned property experts including David Lawrenson, who has published an invaluable guide to successful property letting. The show is free to enter with the seminars charged at only £5.00 per place, but visitors must pre-register online at www.propertyinvestorshow.com/birmingham
ENDS
For more information please contact Clive Reeves on 01543 501111 or email clive@wardlovett.com