Question 1

Insurance

Accepted Answer

We recommend that landlords ensure that both the rental property and its contents are fully insured for the purpose of letting. Standard home owner insurance will often not cover letting your property.

Question 2

Tax

Accepted Answer

As a landlord, you are obliged to pay tax on any income or profit you make from renting out a property in the UK. In accordance with the Finance Act 1995, landlords based outside the UK will need to apply to HMRC to pay tax on their rental income through Self- Assessment in order to receive UK rental income without deduction of tax. Overseas landlords will need to apply to HMRC for an exemption certificate which will allow them to receive their rent gross.

Without an approval number from HMRC, your agent will be legally obliged to retain 20% of your rental income and submit quarterly to HMRC.

We are able to assist you by producing a statement of rental income and allowable expenses for our fully managed clients should you require this. Please your property manager for further information.

Question 3

Utilities & Council Tax

Accepted Answer

The tenant is responsible for paying all gas, electricity, telephone, water, council tax, television licence and cable/broadband bills during the tenancy. The landlord is responsible for any ground rent and service charges.

Question 4

Appliances

Accepted Answer

All appliances and machinery, including the boiler, must be in good working order and serviced as appropriate. Manufacturers’ Instruction manuals for all appliances should be left in the property. Details of any maintenance contracts should also be supplied.

Question 5

Legal Ownership

Accepted Answer

If your property is jointly owned, co-owners must be named on our terms and conditions and on the Tenancy Agreement.

Question 6

Furnishings

Accepted Answer

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended in 1989 and 1993 state that it’s an offence to let property with upholstered furniture that does not comply with safety regulations. These include soft furnishings, beds, mattresses, pillows, cushions, headboards, loose and stretch covers for furniture and seat covers. All furniture purchased since 1st March 1990 should comply. If it does, it will have a safety label attached.

Question 7

Right to Rent

Accepted Answer

From 1st February 2016, all private landlords in England will be required to check that any potential tenants have the right to be in the UK before renting out their property. Under the new rules, landlords who fail to check a potential tenant’s ‘Right to Rent’ will face penalties of up to £3,000 per tenant. Follow up checks may also be required. When you instruct us to manage your property, we will undertake these follow up checks on your behalf.

Question 8

Consents

Accepted Answer

You need to check the requirements of your lease in connection with sub-letting and obtain the necessary consent if required. If you have a mortgage on your property, consent may also be required.

Question 9

Safety Standards

Accepted Answer

It is a legal requirement that all blinds and curtains which include a cord or chain must comply with the recently published safety standards. Further information can be found at www.bbsa.org.uk

Question 10

Legionella’s Risk Assessment

Accepted Answer

Legionella naturally occurs within water supplies making every property a potential risk. Legionella is a serious flu like illness which is very often mistaken for pneumonia and can be fatal. You are legally required to ensure your tenants’ risk of exposure to legionella is properly assessed and controlled.

Question 11

Housing In Mutiple Occupation (HMO)

Accepted Answer

The Housing Act 2004 states that a property that is let to three or more unrelated sharers, who share a kitchen and/or a bathroom, is an HMO. If there are less than five sharers, the property may not be subject to mandatory licensing, although some local authorities implemen selective licensing and you should familiarise yourself with their policy. The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006, require that all HMOs have a Fixed Wiring Test conducted at least every five years, prepared by a qualified electrician.

Keeping You Safe & Legal

Protecting You and Your Home

Gas Safety

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Electrical Equipment

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

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