Being a landlord is both really simple and quite confusing at the same time. The whole idea of making a residual income from a property you own but don’t live in is wonderful, and many people choose to become landlords for that exact reason. But once you get into the process, there are a lot of little things that can trip you up. So today we’re going to answer some of the most common landlord questions, so you can start off on the right foot.
Can I Make my Tenant Pay for end of Tenancy Cleaning?
Yes and no, but mostly no. Tenants are expected to return rental properties in the condition they were initially let – including standards of cleanliness. So if the tenant leaves the property in a worse state of cleanliness than it was when they moved in (aside from general wear and tear), then you as a landlord can request some of their deposit and use it to have the property cleaned. However – you can’t charge a tenant for end of tenancy cleaning outright, nor can you request or force them to organise and pay for a professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy. They simply have to return the property clean and in the same state of repair it was handed over in – whether they clean it themselves or hire someone to do it.
Do I Need an Inventory if the Property is Unfurnished?
There is a common misconception that if you don’t provide any furniture in your property, then you don’t need to pay for an inventory for it. Many landlords still believe this is a waste of money, but this just isn’t true. The fact is that your property inventory covers much more than furniture – it’s a record of your whole property’s condition and contents – and it’s important to have that on record in case of a dispute down the line. To give an example, a standard property inventory will include the presence and condition of:
- Light switches and plug sockets
- Kitchen and bathroom fittings
- Light fittings and shades
- Curtains and windows
- Carpets and floors
- Walls and doors
- Garden furniture, fencing and ornaments
In other words, every last detail of the property should be recorded for you and the tenant to sign. This means there is a clear and impartial record of what’s in the property and the condition in case of damage-related deposit disputes.
Do I Need to Test for Legionella?
This is something that often comes up for new landlords – they will see ‘legionella testing’ and wonder what on earth it is and if they have to do it. Legionella is a type of bacteria usually present in standing water. The risk is relatively low in regular properties, but in rural properties, or properties that have been unoccupied for a while, the risk goes up. Draining the water system will help manage this risk during any void periods. And testing for it is a legal requirement under the HSE. It’s designed to make sure the water in your property is completely safe, and to provide proof of that. Legionella testing involves a ‘competent person’ visiting the property to assess and test the water and water system for traces of the legionella bacteria. This can be done by the landlord, or you can hire a company to help with it.
Why do I Need to Provide ID to List a Property?
When you go to a letting agent to advertise a property to rent, the agent will often ask you for some form of ID, and some proof that you own the property. The reason for this is simple – it’s to protect landlords from fraud and illegal subletting. It stops a tenant going to a letting agent and finding a new tenant to sublet to, and it stops any other forms of fraud on the landlord. It’s an extra level of security check, not just for the agent, but for every landlord too. After all, without asking people to prove who they are before they let a property, a landlords property could be listed without their knowledge. Generally, an agent will ask to see:
- Photo ID – like a driving licence or passport.
- Proof of Ownership – like a mortgage statement, title deed, consent to let or a land registry certificate.
Where Should I Store my Tenant’s Deposit?
In the UK it’s a legal requirement for landlords to protect their tenants deposits vai a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) on any assured-shorthold tenancy. These schemes will keep the deposit secure and, if required, help to handle any disputes over its return. There are currently 3 such schemes, which are:
If you don’t protect your tenants deposit in one of these services, then you could face some heavy fines, and lose your ability to claim damages from the deposit.
Of course, that doesn’t cover everything you need to know about being a landlord – but hopefully it gets you off to a good start. If you’re looking to let a property and you have any questions, big or small, our team are always happy to help. Just get in touch with the team today to book your free consultation.
