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 to top

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 to top

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 to top

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 to top

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 to top

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 to top