3 Legal Mistakes You Should Avoid As A Landlord

Residential units lined in a column down a road.

It’s not uncommon for new landlords to rent their properties without being property experts. There are experts whom they can consult for that sort of service. However, some easy legal mistakes can land them in trouble if caution is not implied. Let’s discuss some of them with the help of seasoned estate agents in St. Albans.

Delaying Safety Hazard Repairs

Tenants can bring the case to the local council if a landlord delays a required inspection for a safety hazard within the house. This could be health hazards such as pest control and mould growth or safety hazards like flammable objects or sharp protrusions on the walls or floors.

Timely inspection and correction of safety hazards are important. Failure to comply with the tenant’s concerns makes the council apply the Housing Act 2004, which can result in the landlord either paying a fine for risking the life of the tenants on top of fixing the issue or not being able to rent a part or all of the property.

Not Issuing Energy Performance Certificate

An energy performance certificate (EPC) must be presented upon finding a tenant in St. Albans. To legally rent a property, the property must have an EPC.

What Are Energy Performance Certificates?

EPCs are audits that contain information about a property’s energy use and costs. As the country encourages energy-saving methods, the certificate also recommends suggestions for efficient energy use.

An EPC is valid for 10 years and awards properties a rating between A to G from most to least efficient energy-saving features. These can directly impact a property’s value.

Avoiding Deposit Protection Schemes

A “For Rent” sign displayed beneath a window of a property.

In April 2007, the government required landlords to put their tenants’ deposits in a protection scheme until the end of the letting term. This law applies to all landlords, and failure to comply results in heavy fines and complications in getting the property back.

It is a good practice to use a letting agent in St. Albans who can guide landlords through the proper practices of renting a property. They can also help landlords find reliable tenants for long  term periods.

Gem Lettings is a facilitator that provides services as a letting agent in St. Albans. The company also provides property management in St. Albans for long-term relationships with its landlord clients. If you want to rent property as a landlord, contact them for service from experts.

 

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