Whether you’re repairing a roof or reviewing the rent, here are a few fundamentals every landlord should keep in mind.
⚖️ Legal Responsibilities
- Be safe to live in and free from health hazards
- Have properly installed and maintained gas and electrical systems
- Be fitted with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure that they are tested regularly
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
👉🏼 Always check for any regional variations across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
🔧 Repairs & Maintenance
As a landlord you’re responsible for keeping your property in good condition.
This usually includes:
- The structure of the building
- Sinks, baths, and plumbing
- Heating and hot water systems
- Any damage caused while carrying out repairs
👉🏼Keeping on top of maintenance helps protect your investment and keep your tenants happy.
💷 Increasing Rent
Need to raise the rent? Make sure you do it correctly:
- Give your tenants at least one month’s notice
- Put any rent increase in writing, signed by both parties
- Use the official Form 4: Landlord’s Notice Proposing a New Rent (available on GOV.UK)
👉🏼Doing it by the book avoids disputes and keeps communication clear.
🤝🏼Tenant Disputes
If issues arise, court should always be a last resort. Try this first:
- Talk it through calmly with your tenant.
- Follow up in writing if needed.
- If that doesn’t work consider mediation it’s faster, fairer and far less stressful than court.
At Horizon Lets we help landlords stay compliant, proactive and stress free. For more landlord insights head over to our landlord section Click Here
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