Landlords - Their Responsibilities
If you're renting then you will have a landlord - the managing agent or a private individual. There are a number of things your landlord must do for you to comply with the law. Here we list what they are.
Electrical
All rented properties must have safe electrical equipment, which includes electrical sockets. If the property you are interested in was constructed after June 1992, it is required to have a smoke alarm on every floor.
Gas
The gas supply and any gas appliances must be safely maintained and should be checked yearly by a qualified engineer. Your landlord should give you a copy of the official safety record. All water supply and waste removal pipes must be kept in good working order.
Furniture & Furnishings
All furniture and furnishings must comply with fire safety regulations. You should ask the landlord to remove anything that does not meet these standards. These regulations do not cover furniture, carpets and curtains manufactured prior to 1950.
Contact Address
Your landlord must give you a contact address in the UK that you can call if there are any problems with the rented accommodation. If you are sharing with others, make sure that everyone has details of the contact address.
External maintenance and all repairs are the responsibility of the landlord, so it is important for you to be able to make contact when necessary. It is your responsibility to abide by the terms of the lease and not misuse the property.
Your Requirement For Bills
When you are living in a rented flat or house, you will generally be required to pay the following bills :
- Rent
- Gas
- Electric
- Water rates
- Telephone
- Council Tax
Entering Your House
The landlord cannot enter your home without your permission, except in an emergency. If your landlord needs access to the property for routine repairs etc. they must give you at least 24 hours' notice.
Eviction
If the landlord wants to evict you they will need to obtain a court order. You will then be given at least two months' notice and documentation stating that you are being evicted. One of the most common disputes between landlords and tenants arises over deposits. If the argument is not resolved and is taken to a county court, claims under £5,000 are directed to the small claims track.
You Might Like
Things To Check When Renting A Property
When renting a property for the first time - what are the do's & don'ts and what do you need to consider? Read our simple guide for some ideas.Find A Property Management Company
Think about finding a property management company to help realise your investment and reduce the stress of trying to do it yourself. A simple guide to get you started.Find The Ideal Commercial Property
Help us help you to find the ideal commercial property with the minimum of fuss. Check out our guide for all you need to know.Rent To Own, Fair Or Not?
Rent to own has been in the news a lot lately due often to the high rates of APR charged. Are they fair or not? And what are the options for people?Buying A Commercial Property
Looking to buy commercial property? Commercial property can be a great investment; either for your business or to rent out. Check our guide.
Useful Websites
- Simple Landlord Insurance
Simple Landlord Insurance is one of the first complete online services for landlords insurance. Buy-to-let property insurance cover is available for all sorts of tenants. - Stride Commercial Insurance
Property owners insurance and business insurance from Stride Limited. From online quotes for let property, to flats insurance, landlord insurance and more. - BUY TO LET MORTGAGES
Landlord Mortgages provides landlords with buy to let mortgages - 6 King's Bench Walk
The Barristers chambers of Mr Sibghat Kadri WC specialising in human rights, civil liberties, crime, refugee, housing, immigration and nationality, family, discrimination, landlord and tenant and empl - Add Your Website Here