Landlord rights

As a landlord it's worth your while getting to know what your legal rights and responsibilities are.  Most of the emphasis is usually on tenant rights, but your rights as a landlord are just as important.

Knowing your rights can help make sure you don't find yourself being taken advantage of by tenants, and just as important make sure that you are fulfilling your role as landlord and not breaking the law.

Landlord access

Although the property you are renting out is the tenant's home, you still retain some rights of entry as the landlord of the property. This right can also apply to any agent(s) representing you.

Having the right to enter the property does not mean you can turn up and enter the property without notice. If you need to enter a property, for an inspection for example, you should give at least 24-48 hours notice.

Repairs

If you need to carry out repairs to the property then you have the right to reasonable access, but permission from the tenant must be sought before entering the premises.

If you need to enter a property to carry out emergency repairs, a gas leak or flooding for example then you should be entitled to immediate access in order to repair these problems.

Inspections

Its in your interest as a landlord to inspect the property on a regular basis to ensure everything is still in good condition.  A regular inspection every 3 months should be sufficient, making tenants aware of this fact before they sign the tenancy agreement is a good idea.

No entry

If a tenant refuses a landlord entry to the property then we would advise the landlord to seek legal advice immediately.

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