If you’ve decided to lease your property, or even multiple properties, you may be wondering what you can do to be a responsible landlord. After all, it is no secret that landlords get a bad rap. However, there are numerous things you can do to crush the stereotypes and be a responsible, professional proprietor – not only for the health and well-being of your tenants but for your own reputation and peace of mind. From maintaining safe living standards to sourcing reputable craftspeople, here is how you can be a good landlord.
Run Background Checks
Being selective about your tenants means making informed decisions based on character references and information from previous landlords. Ensuring your tenants will be responsible and respectful to your property will help to mitigate financial risk and ensure your property is protected from damage due. You are also entitled to ask prospective tenants to provide bank statements as proof of income and rent payments. That said, avoiding discrimination is also crucial – landlords cannot refuse tenants or treat them differently based on race, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, or disability.
Be Friendly And Approachable
A friendly, approachable landlord makes all the difference. If you are leasing your property via a letting agent, take the time to introduce yourself to all new tenants to ensure they are happy and comfortable. Provide them with your contact details and let them know they can contact you with any issues 24/7. Additionally, remember that some of your tenants may be physically and/or mentally vulnerable. As such, you should demonstrate tact and empathy, all the while remaining professional.
Perform Repairs Promptly
There is nothing worse than having an ongoing issue with your rental property. Your tenants deserve to live in a pleasant, functional environment. Hence, repairs and maintenance work should be performed promptly and efficiently. Being a landlord is a full-time, round-the-clock job, meaning you should remain contactable at all times. Suppose you know you will be unreachable for a prolonged period; for example, you have a holiday booked. In that case, you should inform your tenants and provide them with numbers and email addresses for individuals they can contact in your absence.
Fire Safety
The importance of fire safety cannot be understated. According to UK law, landlords are required to install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of their properties. Similarly, under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, each property should have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance – such as a gas boiler or wood-burning stove. Furthermore, your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be checked regularly to ensure they are fully operational.
Electrical Safety
Landlords are legally required to obtain a valid landlord electrical safety certificate (EICR report) for each rental property they own. This safety certificate ensures the safety of light fittings, plug sockets, electrical wiring and fuse boxes. It will also outline observations affecting safety and improvement recommendations, such as the need for cable containment systems or wiring that doesn’t meet the latest regulations. Once obtained, you must also supply a copy of this certificate to your local housing authority within seven days and a copy to any new tenants.
Gas Safety
Unchecked and poorly maintained gas appliances pose a potentially lethal risk to your tenants. According to The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR), landlords must organise for a registered engineer to perform gas safety inspections once per year in each of their properties. They must also provide their tenants with a copy of the record of the inspection certificate. The purpose of these annual inspections is to ensure that fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe and functional.
Get Landlord Insurance
Although it may be an extra cost, landlord insurance is a worthwhile investment, as it provides financial protection against numerous risks, such as property damage, loss of rental income, and potential legal actions initiated by tenants. Tenants wishing to seek legal action against landlords for reasons such as injuries sustained on the property or allegations of discrimination could be entitled to financial compensation. However, these claims are not always founded in truth. Landlord insurance will protect you from being wrongfully sued due to liability claims.
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