Knowing Where You Stand as a Landlord

A Landlord in the UK is required to safely provide basic amenities and the appliances and fixtures needed for the tenant to reside comfortably and safely in the rented property.

Undertaking Repairs

The law requires landlords to carry out periodic repairs to the property. If however, the repairs are required as a result of the negligence or willful wrongdoing of the tenant, then the tenant can be required to pay for the repairs.

Installing New Sanitary Units

When the situation warrants it, you may have to undertake repairs to or replacement of fixtures such as hot water, sinks, baths or basins. Landlords are expected to take prompt action in these matters.

Making Sure the Heating System is Effective

The property you let out must be fit to live in and you are thus required to ensure that it is properly heated. Aside from the regulatory (and moral) requirement, it is in your own interests as the ownber of the property to ensure that heating is effective as this will assist in preventing or minimising the many problems associated with damp and condensation. Any gas or electrical installations must be certified by an appropriate registered profressional (for example by a CORGI registered installer for gas). There are annual certification requirements.

Knowing Where You Stand as a Tenant

A tenant’s obligations to the landlord are clearly spelt out in the Tenancy Agreement that is put in place at the beginning of the tenancy. Some leasehold buildings do not permit tenants to keep pets. Even where they do, the landlord may negate the tenant’s right to keep a pet on the premises. Some tenancy agreements also require the tenant to have the house fumigated at the end of the tenancy.

As you may imagine, the ssue of paying the rent on the date and in the manner specified is all important. Within the UK, tenants are obliged to:

Pay the rent on time. If a tenant fails to pay the rent on time, landlords have the right to either demand the rent from them or give them notice to vacate the premises. The terms of the Tenancy Agreement specify how much notice must be given, and what is deemed to be a reasonable period of time to be given to the tenant to clear the due amount before an eviction notice may be given.

Pay utility and other bills. If tenants are to be held responsible for paying Utility bills and council tax bills, this must be covered by the Tenancy Agreement. In most cases, tenants will settle these bills directly with the service provider or local council in question.

Take reasonable care of the property. Tenancy Agreements require the tenant to take reasonable care of the property at all times. Basic wear and tear is a fact of life and most landlords accept that a modicum or redecoration and baisic maintenance will be required both during and between lets. It is however essential as a tenant that you treat the property with the same respect as that you afford to your own posessions.

Unfair Terms
There are certain clauses that may not be put into the Tenancy Agreement. These are clearly enumerated in the "Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations." It is recommended that landlords and their legal advisors check these thoroughly before drawing up the terms of the Tenancy Agreement.

Conclusion

The landlord-tenant relationship can be harmonious if both parties are clear about their responsibilities and conduct themselves iaccordingly. Tenants have a duty to pay their bills and to look after the property that they rent. Landlords must respect the tenant’s right to privacy and maintain the property in a tenantable and safe condition Regulatory requirements change and it is important that you obtain up to date legal advice before entering into any agreement.