As a current landlord or a soon to be landlord, it can be quite confusing sometimes, knowing things like what licenses you need to have, the latest on property and tenancy regulations and what certain things mean. Below you can find some of the FAQs we receive, that we have answered to make life easier for you.
These are all put together by property expert and director, Lloyd Rumbold. If you have any other questions that aren’t featured in our post, then pop your question over in an email or visit our facebook page and ask us on there. We are always happy to help!
Do I offer a property furnished or unfurnished ?
This largely depends on whether you are looking to attract a long or short term tenancy and this is a tactic that can be effectively used to attract the ideal type of tenure.
It stands to reason that a greater upheaval is required for a tenant to move all their belongings and this has an active role in the longer terms of tenancy. Offering an unfurnished property also limits your responsibilities to maintain furnishings as they dilapidate through wear and tear.
Do I need an Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) to advertise my property, even if I don’t intend to advertise it on the internet?
The answer is yes and actually if legal situations arise regarding the non-payment of rent, the landlords rights to compensate can be detrimentally affected if provision cannot be proven prior to the tenants moving in.
Do I need to get my properties tested for Legionnaires Disease?
The answer is no. You have a responsibility to conduct a risk assessment on any rental property and you should be sufficiently competent to perform this risk assessment. Having gone through all the training we can do this on your behalf and do this free of charge as part of our market appraisals and ongoing property management.
Do I need to fit a Carbon Monoxide detector in my rental property?
The official requirement for Co2 detectors only extends to solid fuel appliances i.e log and coal fires. If your property has one or either of those then the answer is yes.
In the interests of best practice however we would advise the provision of a Co2 alarm in properties where gas appliances are fitted in rooms where occupants are likely to sleep i.e boilers mounted in bedroom cupboards etc.
In this instance, we have a recommended fitment and we expect that over the coming months this will be added to the legal requirements of a rental property.
What is a ‘How to Rent guide’?
The how to rent guide is a document produced by the government and is a legal requirement to be provided to a new tenant prior to renting a property. What does it say? It briefly outline the responsibilities that are assumed when undertaking tenancy.
Isn’t this just another pointless handout? – well yes… but actually, it’s one with far reaching consequences. It can actually prevent you from successfully servicing an eviction notice should you want to get your property back.
Do I need to get my rental property electrically tested prior to let?
No. There is no mandatory requirement for a property to be electrically tested. However, you do have a legal responsibility to ensure that the property and any appliances provided within it are safe to use.
If this has been your family residence for a number of years you will most probably already be able to establish its electrical safety – however if the property has been recently purchased or you have no prior knowledge of it in this regard then we would strongly recommend you get it tested. Again we can help you in this regard should you require.
Any other questions? Get in touch!
