Top Tips to help landlords attract more tenants in 2022

In the private rental sector, there is an ever-growing maze of dos and don’ts. So, if you’re a landlord – or thinking about becoming one – it’s critical to stay on top of your legal responsibilities. We’ve put up some top advice for landlords with the help of ARLA Propertymark, the professional organisation for leasing agencies and from some expert inputs by estate agents in Sittingbourne.

Tenant Checks Should Be Kept Up To Date.

Tenant checks entail conducting thorough tenant referencing on rental applications to ensure that the tenants are trustworthy and responsible. Checking their creditworthiness, receiving references from prior landlords, and verifying they have the legal right to live in the UK are all part of this tenant screening process. To make things easier, if you have a property to rent in Sittingbourne, seek the help of a local estate agent to get your tenant checks done professionally. If you fail to carry out Right to Rent checks in England under the Immigration Acts 2014 and 2016, you might face a fine or perhaps a jail sentence.

Ensure That Your Tenant’s Deposits Are Safe.

Within 30 days of receiving the money, you must secure it in a government-approved scheme. After that, you’ll need to hand over the Deposit Protection Certificate and Prescribed Information, as well as the Government’s How to Rent handbook, to your tenant.

You have three options: the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), all of which assist with deposit disputes involving potential property damage.

The amount of deposit you can take from a potential renter has been regulated at five weeks’ rent or six weeks’ rent if the rental expenses are more than £50,000 per year since 1 June 2019, when the Tenant Fees Bill was signed into law.

Please Provide An Epc That Is Up To Date.

Make sure your property is up to code in terms of energy efficiency, and give your tenant a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

As of April 1, 2018, your property must have an EPC rating of at least ‘E’. You could be penalised if you arrange a new letting without first confirming your property meets these requirements.

Carry Out Your Safety Inspections.

Every year, you must have all gas appliances in the property inspected by a Gas Safe-registered engineer, and you must present renters with a Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of the annual inspection.

That’s not all, though. Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor of the property from the beginning, and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in any area where solid fuel, such as wood or charcoal, is utilised. On the first day of the tenancy, test both alarms. Carbon monoxide detectors are also a good idea to have near gas appliances, though they are not required.

New electrical safety requirements, which took effect on June 1, 2020, require that every fixed electrical system be examined and tested by a competent electrician at least every five years. You must receive a report detailing the inspection and test results, distribute it to each tenant within 28 days, and keep a copy on file until the next inspection.

You must ensure that your England rental property is suitable for human habitation. Your renters may take legal action against you if you fail to meet the standards set out in the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Responding to maintenance requests in a positive and timely manner is good practice.

Make A Tenancy Contract.

Although it isn’t a legal requirement, having a tenancy agreement set out and signed by both you and your prospective tenants is quite important, especially when it comes to issues like rent arrears. Make sure it’s an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, as this is the form of contract that is subject to rental rules and regulations.

Inspections Should Be Carried Out On A Regular Basis – With Permission.

It’s a good idea to inspect your property on a frequent basis. You are, however, legally prohibited from entering without the permission of the tenant. Giving your tenants 24 to 48 hours’ written notice is recommended practice, and this should be specified in your tenancy agreement.

Obtain The Appropriate Insurance Coverage.

Loss of rent, damage, legal expenses, and liabilities are all covered by a decent landlord insurance policy.

Keep in mind that most regular building insurers will not give the protection you’ll need as a landlord, so you’ll want to shop around for landlord insurance. If you don’t inform your building’s insurer that you’re renting out your home, your insurance may be voided.

Make The House Rental Ready.

Consider who your ideal tenant is and whether or not the property is ready for them. If you’re renting out your house as a furnished home, make sure the decor is up to date and appealing to a wide range of people. Also, don’t be afraid to highlight its main qualities, such as a south-facing garden, terrace, off-road parking, or outstanding transportation connections. Above all, it needs to be clean, orderly, and secure.