Here are some handy tips for landlords in the UK

1. Do your research. Before you buy a property to rent out, it's important to do your research and understand the local market. This includes knowing what rents are typically charged in the area, as well as the costs of property maintenance and repairs.

2. Get the right insurance. As a landlord, you'll need to have insurance to protect your property against accidental damage, as well as liability insurance in case a tenant is injured on your property.

3. Prepare the property for tenants. Before you start advertising your property, make sure it's in good condition and meets all legal requirements. This includes having a gas safety certificate, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors.

4. Choose the right tenants. When you're choosing tenants, it's important to do your due diligence and check their references. You should also make sure they can afford the rent and that they're a good fit for your property.

5. Be a good landlord. This means being responsive to your tenants' needs, keeping the property in good condition, and following the terms of the tenancy agreement.

6. Know your rights and responsibilities. As a landlord, you have certain rights and responsibilities. It's important to be aware of these so that you can protect yourself and your property.

By following these tips, you can be a successful landlord and avoid any major problems.

Additional tips:

• Get professional help. If you're not sure about something, don't be afraid to get professional help from a letting agent, a lawyer, or an accountant.

• Stay organised. Keep good records of all your communications with tenants, as well as any repairs or maintenance work that you do on the property.

• Be patient. It can take some time to find good tenants and to manage your property effectively. Be patient and don't give up.

Being a landlord can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.


Written by First 4 Lettings

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Fees

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PERMITTED PAYMENTS

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments:

1) Holding Deposit: Up to one week’s rental

2) Deposit: One month’s rental (5 weeks rental dependent on individual’s circumstances)

3) Payments for utilities (gas, electricity & water), communication services (telephone & broadband), Installation/Subscription of cable/satellite, TV licence and council tax

4) Default Fee (late payment of rent): If full Rent is not paid within 14 days or more of the Rent Due Date there will be a charge 3% plus the Bank of England base interest rate of the full rental amount until full payment is received

5) Default Fee (breach of tenancy agreement, any other permitted payments, under relevant legislation including contractual damages): For any breach of the tenancy agreement based on the reasonably incurred costs of the agent or landlord

6) Replacement of keys, fobs or other security devices

7) Default Fee (changes to the tenancy): An administrative charge of £50.00 or greater for any assignment, variation or novation of the tenancy agreement made at the tenant’s request (only if agreed by The Landlord and/or The Landlord’s Agent)

8) Payments in respect of early termination of a tenancy agreement at the tenant’s request


TENANT PROTECTION

First 4 Lettings is a member of Client Money Protect which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of PRS (Property Redress Scheme), which is a redress scheme.