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Landord's Guide: Before a Tenant Moves In

Tenants

It’s easy to think that welcoming a new tenant is a simple case of handing the key over and leaving them to it, especially if it’s your first time. In reality however, you have a substantial checklist of legal and functional obligations.

GET THE RELATIONSHIP OFF TO A GOOD START

  • Building a strong relationship with a tenant from day one can make your life a lot easier in the long run

  • You’ll be better placed to work through any issues that may crop up in the future, which could help keep them around for much longer once their lease is up too – saving you the hassle of starting the process again

STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW

  • There are lots of rules governing how landlords operate in the UK, many of which are in place to protect you as well as the tenant

  • Making sure you’re on top of your legal responsibilities from the start will put you in a much stronger and safer position should anything bad happen during the tenancy

Rental property

ONE FINAL LICK OF PAINT

  • Whilst it may look fine to the naked eye, make the effort to refresh any areas that need it

  • Scuffs, dents and other marks of ‘’wear and tear’’ really add up over time and between tenancies is really your best chance to refresh the property with a lick of paint

  • It will set expectations of the standard you expect them to keep in the property and showing a tenant you care about their living conditions starts the relationship on a positive note

CARRY OUT FINAL HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKS

  • Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act emphasised a landlord’s responsibility to ensure that their rental property is fit to live in from the start of a new tenancy and throughout

  • Important to carry out the necessary checks before your new tenants move in to ensure their safety and protect yourself from potential liability issues

  • The act also covers elements such as heating, damp and pest infestations

Health and safety

CONSIDER LANDLORD INSURANCE

  • While it’s not a legal requirement, it may be worth considering if you need landlord insurance before you start renting out your property

  • Landlord insurance is not the same as regular home insurance. As well as the buildings and contents cover, you’ll be able to include cover for loss of rent and landlords’ liability, giving you added peace of mind should any problems crop up

UPDATE YOUR SUPPLIERS

  • It’s a good idea to let your local council and utilities providers know that new tenants will be taking over responsibility for the bills associated with your property

  • If you have previous or current tenants, they will only be responsible for the bills for the time they’re in the property unless they move out before the end of their agreed notice period

  • You shouldn’t rely on your new tenants to do this themselves, so doing it yourself will help to avoid the wrong people being chased for money they don’t legally owe

COMPLETE ANY REPAIRS

  • It’s your responsibility to make sure the property is in good repair, anything such as broken windows or doors need to be fixed

  • Tighten up security and make sure that the property has sound doors and bolts on windows

Tenants moving in

Get in touch with the team at Jo & Co Property Management for further advice on letting your property.

Joanne James