What
will I be responsible for as a landlord?
What
will I have to pay if I let my property?
What
are the tenant's responsibilities?
Can
I place restrictions on the tenant?
Should
I let my property furnished or unfurnished?
Will
I need to change my mortgage?
Do
I have to change my insurers?
What
happens if the tenant doesn't pay the rent?
What will I be responsible for as a landlord?
Landlords are normally responsible for the repair
& maintenance of the property, along with the safety of the gas &
electrical appliances and the safety of any furniture or furnishings provided
by the landlord. As part of our full management service we can deal with
all aspects of your responsibilities on your behalf. back
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What will I have to pay if I let my property?
Normal expenses incurred by a landlord are the mortgage,
buildings insurance, annual gas safety check, cost of repairs, water rates
(in the case of student properties) and our management fees (usually 12%
of monthly rent). R House also works on a no let no fee basis. back
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What are the tenant's responsibilities?
Tenants are normally resposible for paying the rent,
paying the council tax (if applicable), paying the council tax and any
utility bills and looking after the property.back
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Can I place restrictions on the tenant?
Yes, but these should be told to us in advance so
that the restrictions can be incorporated into the tenancy agreement.
Some common restrictions are things like not allowing pets or children
and not allowing smoking. back to top
Should I let my property furnished or unfurnished?
It is entirely up to you, however, it does not make
much difference to how much rent can be obtained. But, it may make the
property easier to let. Some tenants though, will require a property to
be furnished. For example, if you are thinking of becoming a student landlord
you will need to furnish the property. back
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Will I need to change my mortgage?
You will need to check with your mortgage lender,
as you may have to gain permission from them to let your property. back
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Do I have to change my insurers?
Again you will need to inform your insurance company
that you are intending to let out a property. We suggest that you take
out cover that protects yourself against any liability for the duration
of the let. We also offer help in doing so with our contacts in the insurance
industry. back to top
What happens if the tenant doesn't pay the rent?
We would first try and recover the arrears through
debt collection. Normally this gives the tenant impetus to pay up. However,
if this does not work then what we would do is serve a "section 8"
notice on them. This notifies them that we intend to apply to the court
for an order requiring them to give up possesion of the property. In the
case of student tenants it is a very similar process except for that we
would have a guarantor who we would chase for the outstanding rent. back
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