There are a number of matters which a Landlord must attend to at the commencement of a tenancy agreement. This blog deals with residential tenancy agreements only, and not with residential properties in multiple occupation, to which different rules apply. The outset of any relationship is important, Landlord and Tenant is no different, and the list below deals with a number of the matters which a Landlord should attend to at the start of the tenancy to get this off on the right footing:-

  1. Provide the Tenant with a Gas Safety Certificate from a Gas Safe registered technician and implement any recommendations.
  2. Obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report from a registered electrician and implement any recommendations.
  3. Ensure electrical appliances are tested and safe and obtain the appropriate certificates.
  4. Choose the type of tenancy agreement for the tenancy; usually this will be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement that which will allow the Landlord to regain possession of the property at the end of the tenancy.  A subsequent blog will deal with the matters that should be included in the written tenancy agreement.
  1. Protect any deposit in one of the tenancy deposit protection schemes.  Provide the tenant with the relevant prescribed information about the deposit protection within 30 days or receipt..
  1. Inform the local authority of the Tenants occupation to terminate the Landlord’s responsibility to pay council tax.
  1. Terminate any utility, television or telephone contracts in the Landlord’s name.
  2. Obtain documentary evidence from the tenant as to their right to live in the UK.
  3. The property must have sufficient mains connected smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  4. Take meter readings when the Tenant moves into the property.
  5. Obtain Energy Performance Certificate.
  6. Ensure that the Tenant has the full name and address of the individual or entity who will manage the tenancy for the Landlord.
  7. If the property is subject to a mortgage obtain any required consent from the lender. Ensure the lender sends correspondence concerning the mortgage to the Landlord’s address otherwise by default correspondence will be sent to the tenanted property.
  8. Ensure that appropriates insurance is in place, eg buildings, contents and property owners liability.
  9. Provide the Tenant with a copy of the “Right to Rent Booklet.

If a Landlord takes the above steps and provides evidence of compliance to the Tenant this should get the relationship off on the right footing and hopefully ensure a successful letting. The next blog in this series will deal with the terms of the written tenancy agreement.

If you would like any further information on residential tenancies, please call 01206 700113 or email [email protected].