Before Commencement

If a landlord doesn’t want to self-manage they can use an agent. If using an agent, it is critical to ensure:- It is clear who does what. There is nothing worse than the tenant not being able to get something done because each side is assuming the other side is doing...

Make sure your insurance company is aware the property is being let, else the insurance might be null and void; Landlords need to ensure they have appropriate cover:- – Landlords’ buildings insurance Landlords’ buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing or...

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assesses 29 housing hazards and the effect that each may have on the health and safety of current or future occupants of the property. HHSRS is a risk assessment tool used to assess potential risks to the health and...

It has been a legal requirement for all rentals from Oct 2008 to have a valid EPC.  They currently lasts 10 years but would only need to be renewed (on expiry) upon change of tenure – i.e. sale of property or new tenant; there is no need to get a new one whilst a...

Definition of an HMO Since April 2006, a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is: An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more occupiers who form 2 or more households and who share basic amenities – e.g. a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Note:- rents must be payable...

Licensing is a very emotive subject.  Introduced in the 2004 Housing Act it was intended to control properties that were deemed to be a greater risk than the norm, and allow greater control of them.