Moving Your Tenants In | Failure to provide these can result in hefty finest
🌟 Protect yourself and your rental property by ensuring you provide these essential documents to your tenant.
The How to Rent guide is a lifesaver for tenants in England and Wales. It's a government document that explains everything your tenants need to know about their tenancy, their responsibilities, and what they can expect from you.
It's not just a legal requirement to provide the latest copy of the guide before the tenancy starts - it's also a way to build trust and transparency with your tenants. So don't just hand it over and forget about it! Encourage your tenants to read it carefully so they know exactly what they're getting into. And who knows, you might even learn something new about your responsibilities as a landlord! 😊
2. Tenancy agreement Your tenancy agreement is like the roadmap to your tenant's journey, leading the way from who's who to what's what. This awesome document lays out all the legal terms and conditions of the tenancy and is usually signed a few weeks before the start date.
👀Before signing the agreement, make sure to read it carefully so you can understand all your rights and responsibilities during the tenancy. Think of it as the ultimate guidebook for a successful tenancy adventure!
3. Protect Your Tenancy Deposit
Deposit protection schemes are the superheroes of the rental world!
Once you receive a deposit from your tenants, you are required:
6.1 Keep it in a Tenancy Deposit scheme backed by the Government within 30 days.
6.2 Provide the tenants with the necessary confirmation documents related to the deposit.
4. Gas safety certificate - 1 year
Don't let your rental property turn into a ticking time bomb! Give your new tenants a copy of the gas safety check before they move in.
Please note!
An annual gas safety check must be arranged every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
A record of the safety check must be kept for 2 years.
A copy of the safety check must be given to each existing tenant within 28 days of completion.
5. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - 10 year
Supply a copy of valid EPC to your new tenants before they move in.
Please note!
An EPC is valid for 10 years and can be used multiple times during this period. From an A rating (super-efficient) to a G rating (not so great), an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will give your property a grade.
⚠If you don't provide your tenant with an EPC, you could face a fine of up to 12.5% of the property's value.
6. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) - 5 year
Supply a copy of valid EICR to all new tenants before their tenancies begin.
Please note!
An EICR valid for five years, so you can sit back and relax (just a little) knowing that your property's electrics are good to go.
⚠If you don' t get an EICR (and fix any hazards it finds) before your new tenant moves in, you could face a fine of up to £30,000 😵
Yikes! Better get that inspection scheduled.
7. Additional points... ❤️ As a caring and responsible landlord, it's important to provide your tenant with your contact details (or those of your lettings agent) so they can reach you in case of an emergency. Remember to include your name, address, and a phone number where you can be reached. 🏠 Also, to ensure the safety of your tenants, smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of the property. If you have appliances that use solid fuel (such as coal or wood), carbon monoxide alarms are also required in those rooms. 🤗️ It's always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you keep a record of any electrical inspections that have been carried out. Remember, it's your responsibility to ensure that all appliances are safe and functioning properly, and it's recommended to have them checked every five years.
And the final...
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of organising and sharing your vital documents with your tenants?
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We've made it extremely easy for landlords. Test it out and discover how it can streamline your life! 😄
Disclaimer: I'm just a friendly blogger. Anything I share on here is purely my unqualified opinion and should never be taken as professional legal or financial advice. When it comes to important legal or financial matters, please do yourself a favour and seek guidance from a qualified professional. Stay smart, stay safe, and always consult a pro for serious stuff. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing!