If you own a rental property, the list of things you have to handle can feel endless. From fixing a leaky tap to making sure smoke alarms work, every task protects your tenants and your bottom line. Below we break down the must‑do duties that keep your rental safe, legal, and profitable.
First and foremost, landlords must meet health and safety standards set by law. That means regular checks on gas appliances, electrical wiring, and fire safety equipment. In the UK, you need a valid Gas Safety Certificate every 12 months and working smoke detectors on each floor. If your property has a boiler, schedule a certified boiler service at least once a year. Skipping these checks can lead to fines, legal trouble, or worse – an accident that could have been avoided.
Another legal duty is providing a written tenancy agreement that spells out rent, deposit, and notice periods. The agreement protects both you and your tenant, reducing misunderstandings. Make sure you protect any deposit in a government‑approved scheme and give tenants a copy of the inventory when they move in.
Tenants expect the place to be livable from day one. That starts with a clean, functional property when they move in. If something breaks – a broken oven, a faulty extractor fan, a dishwasher that won’t start – you need to respond quickly. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a repair turnaround of 48 hours for urgent issues (like no hot water) and 7 days for non‑urgent problems. Use reliable local repair services, like Northampton Appliance Repairs, to keep turnaround times short.
Preventive maintenance saves you money in the long run. Schedule annual checks for major appliances, clear out dryer vents, and inspect roofing and gutters before the rainy season. Small tasks, like cleaning filters in extractor fans, can extend the life of the equipment and prevent larger breakdowns later.
Don’t forget to keep records. Log every repair request, the date you received it, when you fixed it, and who did the work. A clear paper trail shows you’re meeting your duties if any dispute arises.
Finally, communicate clearly with tenants. Let them know the best way to report issues – a phone call, email, or online portal – and set expectations for response times. Good communication builds trust, reduces complaints, and often leads to tenants taking better care of the property.
By staying on top of safety checks, keeping a solid tenancy agreement, and handling maintenance promptly, you cover the core landlord duties that keep both your tenants and your investment safe. Stick to these basics, and you’ll avoid most headaches while running a successful rental business.
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