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Landlords - in this quick read, we’re going to give you our top 5 tips on how best to juggle life as a Landlord. With managing the legalities, tenants and your property, we know you have a lot on your plate. So let’s break it down into 5 manageable chunks.

⦁ Leave plenty of time for marketing

Many tenants start looking for a new property before they give notice on their current one, so make sure you get yours on the market in good time to catch these early birds.

We recommend marketing your property two months before it’s available – so long as it’s in your existing tenancy agreement. If not, get it updated so you can show prospective tenants around in the closing two months.

Students tend to start looking even earlier, and we know gaps can be costly – so make sure you reap the benefits of marketing early to mind that gap.

It goes without saying that you should make sure you agent can get access to the property during this time, and that your tenants are aware that viewing will be taking place. Ensuring they can accommodate these viewings will be beneficial to you both in the long run – the sooner there’s an offer, the sooner the existing tenants can be left in peace, and you’ll hopefully get the offer you need ahead of time.

⦁ First impressions are key

This is an easy one but for that reason, it’s easy to overlook. Make sure you use great photos for your listings.

Have a look online at your competition – how do their properties look? How are they being presented? The first step to nailing your marketing strategy is making sure your property is visually appealing with quality imagery.

Match the images you use with the season – no grey skies or snow in Summer. People will think it’s been on the market for a long time and wonder why.

Ensure the interior is de-cluttered, clean and bright. Does anything look old or shabby? Or have you made recent improvements that you think are important for the prospective tenants?

Avoid reflections in mirrors and windows where possible, and hide your personal and valuable items for your own security. If you’re able to employ a professional photographer, do so.

⦁ Talk to your tenants

If your tenants are happy, they’ll stay. Dealing with their requests promptly will nurture a great long-term tenancy. Being polite and nice is crucial to being a successful landlord. Whatever the issue, respond promptly and always communicate timescales when needed. This helps manage your tenant’s expectations and lays the groundwork for a long tenancy.

⦁ Self-managing your property

One of the worst things that can happen to you as a landlord is not being available – or in the country! - to deal with an issue at your property.

It’s your obligation as a landlord to ensure your property is well kept and maintained, and to be prompt when tenants raise issues. It’s also key to deal with any such issues in a professional, and not emotional, way. This professionalism is the crucial aspect of property management.

Your tenants will expect you to provide a high level of service for their rent, and if you can foresee any difficulties in dealing with issues promptly, it’s worth considering a professional property management services who can take any stress or worry from you. Property management fees are usually tax-deductible.

⦁ Legal compliance and safety checks

In January 2020, the fifth money laundering directive comes into effect, which further adds to the benefits of using an agent. Despite legal challenges, Right to Rent checks are also still a legal requirement when renting to anyone aged 18 or over in England.

If you use an agent, do make sure you ask about their process for Anti Money Laundering and their compliance checks for Right to Rent.

Every 12 months, you need to get a gas safety certificate, and councils can ask for this at any time with seven days’ notice. Keep a record of all your previous certifications and a valid certificate at all times.

Fire alarms need to be installed on each floor and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with an appliance burning solid fuel. At the start of each tenancy, you should test these, and then on every inspection to ensure they are fully working.

If your property has three or more unrelated tenants (an HMO), you may need mains-fitted smoke alarms, heat sensors and a CO detector in any room with a gas appliance i.e. a boiler or gas fire. IT’s a good idea to check with your local council housing team.

For electrics, there are two tests: the Portable Appliance test (PAT) which checks plugs on appliances are safe to use, and should be done at the start of each tenancy.

The other is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) done by a NICEIC qualified electrician, which is valid for five years. HMOs must have an EICR and the, which again the council can request with seven days’ notice.

Your Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC) needs to be maintained, and lasts for 10 years. Your property needs a rating of E or above, otherwise you’ll need to make upgrades or seek an exemption.

Lastly, you need to check if your property should be registered with the local council. There are various licensing schemes that might apply to you – check with your local council to ensure you keep on top of your compliance responsibilities.


Press Contact:

Miss. Claire White
W. Why Media
E. claire@whymedia.com