An A to Z list of what you should know about Landlord’s Responsibilities and Insurance for residential let properties, let under Assured Shorthold Tenancies.
Gardens
Gardens should always be left neat, tidy and rubbish free, with any lawns cut.
Gas Inspections
It is a legal requirement if the property has any gas appliances that the appliances, flues and associated pipe-work are maintained in a safe condition and inspected annually, and a safety certificate issued, by a CORGI registered engineer.
Full records must be kept for at least 2 years of the inspections of each appliance and flue, of any defects found and of any remedial action taken.
General Condition
Electrical, gas plumbing, waste, central heating and hot water systems must be safe, sound and in good working order. Repairs and maintenance are at the Owner's expense unless misuse can be established. Interior decorations should be in good condition.
Health and Safety (Electrical Equipment)
Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, and certain other regulations, electrical appliances and equipment provided in tenanted premises must be safe. It is therefore necessary to make a visual check to ensure that all electrical items, plugs and leads appear completely safe and undamaged, and remove or replace any faulty items.
Heave
The upward movement of the ground supporting a building.
Home (Definition for Insurance Purposes)
The house or flat and its outbuildings, used only for domestic purposes.
Home Information Packs
Home Information Packs are a set of documents, which provide home buyers with key information about the property that they may wish to buy, such as Land Registry searches, copies of the deeds to a property and a Home Condition Report. The Home Condition Report is a new document required as part of the home buying and selling process. It contains information about the physical condition of a property, including its energy efficiency. Full information and details can be obtained from the Government website www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/home.aspx.
Income tax
When resident in the UK, it is entirely the Owner's responsibility to inform the Inland Revenue of rental income received, and to pay any tax due.
Information for the Tenant
It is helpful if you leave information for the Tenant, e.g. on operating the central heating and hot water system, washing machine and alarm system, and the day refuse is collected etc.
Insurance (Buildings and/or Contents)
You should ensure that you have suitable Holiday Home insurance to cover both your buildings and all contents. If you intend to let out a property previously occupied by yourself, you must inform your insurers as failure to do so could invalidate your policies.
Inventory
It is extremely important that as Owner you have an inventory of all contents left in the property and a schedule prepared in respect of the condition of the property, in order to avoid any misunderstanding or dispute at the end of any booking. Without such safeguards, it will be impossible for you as Owner to prove any loss, damage, or significant deterioration of the property or contents and hold the tenant liable or alternatively make a successful insurance claim if so insured.
