Landlord rights and responsibilities
Overview
Your landlord also has rights and responsibilities.
The landlord's rights:
- To receive rent on or before the due date - a suitable due date for rent should be negotiated and agreed before signing the tenancy this should take into account paydays for the tenant and mortgage payment dates for the landlord. If suitably agreed this may reduce disagreement and unnecessary stress in the future
- To be advised of any necessary repairs
- To be given proper notice by a tenant if he or she wishes to leave - a tenant should give you at least one month's notice of their intention to leave, and the notice should not expire before the end of any initial fixed term
- To inspect the property by appointment - these inspections should really be no more than annual or every six months at most if there are ongoing issues. Any more frequent and it may be considered harassment and denying your tenant quiet enjoyment of the property
- To expect compliance by the tenant with any reasonable arrangements for refuse disposal and housekeeping
The landlord's responsibilities:
- To supply their tenant with his/her name and address and that of their agent. Any address given on the tenancy agreement must be suitable for the service of notice. For example, to give notice to end the tenancy
- Should access be required to the property, reasonable notice must be given, for example, to carry out necessary repairs
- Provide their tenants with a receipt of all money paid and what it was for; if rent is paid weekly a physical rent book must be supplied to the tenant
- Provide their tenants with valid legal notice to leave should they require their property back, although this does not necessarily mean that the tenant is legally required to leave
- To follow all procedures set out in law to evict their tenant:
- Remember, only a court appointed bailiff or high court sheriff can remove a tenant. If you or somebody appointed by you physically removes them or their possessions, change the locks or cut off any utilities you may be exposing yourself to prosecution for harassment and/or unlawful eviction. Being prosecuted for these offences may result in being given an unlimited fine and/or up to two years imprisonment
Last updated: 20/10/2022 09:40
