Landlord responsibilities

As a landlord it’s essential that you know what your responsibilities are.

Landlords are responsible for:

All repairs and maintenance to the property

A Landlord should ensure that a property is fit for living in and if there is any damage to ensure it is repaired ASAP.  If the damage was caused by a tenant, they can be charged for it, although this excludes everyday wear and tear.

Landlords should also make sure that all utilities are in good working order such as plumbing and heating.  All of the properties gas appliances and piping should be checked once a year by a Gas Safe (previously Corgi) registered engineer.  Make sure that repairs are carried out in a reasonable time.

Make sure the property is inhabitable and safe

This covers a multitude of things that need to be in place before a tenant moves into the property and maintained during their tenancy. 

A landlord should ensure that:

• the property is clean and safe when a tenant first moves in.
• the property is safe and secure with all locks and alarms installed and in full working order.
• the building is safe and sound.
• any fabrics or furnishings in the house meet any regulations e.g. that they are fire resistant.

Returning deposits

A landlord should return a tenants deposit at the end of their tenure. If the landlord has not suffered any financial losses then the deposit should be returned in full.

Under new laws which came in into force in April 2007 all deposits taken by landlords in assured short hold tenancies must be protected by the new Tenancy Deposit Scheme. 

Read more about tenancy deposits.

Give tenants due notice for eviction

It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant without notice given. If you need to evict a tenant for any reason we advise you seek legal assistance to make sure you do so within the boundaries of the law.

Give notice for property visits

A landlord is able to do property visits, but should give at least 24-48 hours notice, and should not visit too often.  In other words he or she should leave tenants to live in their home in peace.

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