As a landlord, you’ll be aware that there are lots of things to consider when renting out a property, especially with so many legislations and legal requirements surrounding the buy-to-let market. But how are you performing as a landlord? Are you falling short of your tenant’s expectations and what is required of you by law?
Today we talk you through the top 10 common mistakes made by landlords in the UK.
1. Installing inadequate ventilation in bathrooms
Mould and peeling paint are a common sight in rental properties, often because the bathroom isn’t properly ventilated after bathing or showering. This can cause big headaches for landlords who have to fork out redecorating costs.
However, it’s not always the tenant’s fault and as a landlord, you should ensure that there is sufficient ventilation to avoid the build-up of damp and mould. Make sure there is an extractor fan that is appropriately sized for the room and that the window will open enough to let air circulate.
If the bathroom doesn’t have a window, you are required by law to install an extractor fan.
2. Not providing cleaning equipment
It’s not often that a landlord will provide a vacuum cleaner and other cleaning equipment in a rental property, even when furnished. However, we recommend doing so.
Not all tenants will have their own hoover and in a shared property, there may be arguments about who pays for it. You don’t need to go out and buy a Dyson, but providing a quality vacuum cleaner is a good way to encourage your tenants to clean the property.
Some landlords will even pay for a cleaner to visit the property once a week or every two weeks, just to make sure that it’s kept looking nice and it’s in a reasonable state at the end of the tenancy.
3. Ignoring your tenant’s requests
Some requests from your tenants may be unreasonable in your opinion, but spending a bit of money to keep them happy will help to keep your relationship a positive one.
If a tenant is happy with their home, they’re more likely to take greater care and may even spend their own money improving the property.
Of course, you may experience tenants asking for things that go way above what would be expected of you as a landlord. But these things can be discussed and resolved through Citizens Advice or your letting agent.
4. Buying the cheapest furniture you can find
We get it. You’re not living in the property, so why would you spend money furnishing it? However, if you’re hoping to attract higher-paying tenants, or if you don’t want to replace cheap furniture after one or two tenancies, spend a bit more on better-quality items that will last longer and look nicer.
5. Not checking if the furniture is fire resistant
As a UK landlord, you’re required by British law to ensure all the furniture in your rental property is fire resistant. Make sure you check all existing furniture for the label that states if the item is fire resistant and the labels on any future purchases too.
You have to be able to prove that the item is fire resistant, so if the label has come off, you’ll need to have it tested or replace it completely.
If an item is not fire resistant, then it’s illegal to put it in your rental property. You could face a fine of £5,000 per item and even imprisonment if there is a death resulting from a fire that is caused by the substandard furniture. It will also make your insurance invalid if there is a fire, so it’s very important to check.
6. Not refreshing the paintwork often enough
One of the most common requests tenants have when agreeing the terms of a tenancy is for the landlord to carry out a simple paint job before they move in.
While this may be a bit of a headache – especially when the property is furnished – it will benefit you in the long term if you keep the property looking clean and fresh. It may also rent more quickly next time it comes on the market.
7. Mismanaging the property
Perhaps you don’t live in the UK all year round, or you’re away on business a lot. If so, these situations can make managing your rental property a problem.
Understandably, your tenants expect a high level of service when they’re paying rent, so it’s important to make sure that you keep on top of what’s happening and respond quickly to any queries or problems.
If you don’t have enough time to manage the property yourself and need a helping hand, you should consider paying for a professional Property Management service that will allow you to take a back seat.
Especially if you're busy, you might have questions about when to put your property on the market. See: best time of year to rent out a property to start planning.
8. Disregarding the importance of gas safety certificates
A gas safety certificate must be obtained for your rental property every 12 months to show that the gas appliances are safe to use.
You also have to keep a record of all the checks and be able to provide them at the start of each new tenancy.
You will usually be sent reminder letters that are likely to go to the address of your rental property and not your own, so you must keep note of when the last one was carried out and organise any upcoming checks with your tenants.
Gas Safety one of the certificates that's important at every stage of purchasing, renting and selling your property. Keep an eye out for these important documents: what certificates do I need to sell my house?
9. Not installing fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in your rental property as required by law.
It’s illegal to not provide them, although changing batteries is the responsibility of your tenants after the tenancy has started. You must instruct your tenants to make you aware if the alarms are faulty, as it is your responsibility to replace them as soon as possible.
You could face a fine up to £5,000 if you fail to install the alarms or replace faulty ones.
10. Ignoring energy efficiency regulations
From April 2018, all rental properties must have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E.
If your rental property doesn’t reach this minimum required level and you fail to improve its rating, you could face a fine and eventually be banned from letting the property.
