Landlords Responsibilities

I want to check up on my tenants once a week, is this allowed? I want my tenant to move out now, can I get the to? I want my tenant to pay for having the chimney repaired: can I do this? As a landlord, you have certain responsibilities to your tenants. Understanding what these are is an essential part of the buy to let skills base of the good landlord. This ibuytolet guide details the responsibilities of the landlord.

Landlords in the UK have certain obligations to their tenants. Depending on the type of tenancy agreement, the rules regarding responsibility differ. However, in general, certain rules are the same. The following basic list of responsibilities is applicable across the board.

Not disturbing the tenants

It is the responsibility of the landlord to allow the tenants to live without unnecessary interference. The landlord should always provide proper notice of a visit, and arrange a suitable time. If a landlord persistently enters their property without permission, the tenant may have grounds for a harassment claim.

Sticking to procedure should they require the tenant to vacate

If a landlord wishes to evict a tenant from their property, they must follow a strict procedure. This requires written notice and a court order. The specific procedure does depend on the type of tenancy.

Trying to force a tenant to leave without following this procedure is known as illegal eviction, and can lead to fines and imprisonment.

Maintaining the property and carrying out repairs

Major structural repairs (principally the roof, chimneys, walls, guttering and drains) are the responsibility of the landlord. The landlord is also responsible for the provision of gas, electricity and water (but only if bills are paid by the tenant).

Meeting standards of safety

It is the legal obligation to ensure that their tenants are safe. This includes:

Getting a gas safety certificate and renewing it every year before tenants move in. Gas Safety Certificates must be provided by a CORGI registered engineer.

Meeting fire safety regulations for furniture

Making sure electrical equipment is safe

Smoke detectors, although not legally required, are in everyone’s best interest.

For landlords of HMO dwellings, further obligations are required.

Making the rental process clear

Landlords should instruct tenants when rent is due, and how it should be paid. Landlords cannot refuse rent from tenants. Increasing rent may only be allowed at certain times during the tenancy.

Providing the tenant with contact information

All landlords should provide all tenants with contact information, including a full UK contact address. As a tenant, if you contact your landlord in writing and they do not reply within 21 days, they are actually committing a criminal offence.

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