Most of the guidelines that had been provided for tenants will be applicable to landlords also in UK. However, the landlords should look into certain other aspects in letting out their houses to avoid unwanted problems or hassles later. Some of the main points that are of concern to the landlords are presented here and they can go through the guidelines to tenants presented elsewhere in our website for other items that should be considered.

• The landlords will generally have a clause in the tenancy agreement stipulating that either party can give a 2 months’ written notice for terminating the agreement, after the passing of a particular period from the date of commencement of the tenancy. This term is generally included in tenancy agreements that are for several years, though many landlords like to have it even in an agreement for a year.

• In the absence of the above clause, the landlord will not have the power to evict the tenant. At the same time, the tenant also cannot simply walk away from the house before the completion of the agreement. In such circumstances, the person wishing to end the agreement might make a formal ‘surrender’ request of the tenancy. If both parties mutually agree, then the agreement might be terminated. Normally, such abrupt terminations will involve some kind of financial compensation given by the party requesting the ‘surrender’ for the inconvenience caused to the other party or for covering the costs incurred due to the sudden termination.

• Another matter that is of concern to the landlord is increasing the rent. Normally, the rent can be increased only once in a year. In case of assured Shorthold tenancy agreements or in other cases, the landlord can use the form prescribed as per the section 13 notice to notify the tenant about the proposed increase. Invariably, the tenancy agreement will include a clause about the rent increase, which might be a fixed amount or the one related to Retail Price Index or RPIX, etc.

• The landlord or the person authorised by the landlord can inspect the property at any time to assess its condition. However, according to UK laws, the landlord should give at least a 24-hour notice to the tenant about such a visit. Even if the concerned parties include any clause that violates this statute or diminishes the rights of the tenant in this matter, it will be unenforceable and will be declared void by the law.

• It is the legal responsibility of the landlord to repair and maintain the property and its contents, including external pipes, gutters, drains, etc. The landlord should also ensure that the utilities like electricity, water and gas, etc. are kept in good working condition, though the responsibility of informing the landlord about disrepairs in the house is with the tenant. Maintaining the utilities is in addition to the general guarantee that the landlord has to provide about the quality of the materials used for the utility services like wiring, plumbing, piping, etc.

• One major problem that the landlords face is the refusal or inability of the tenant to move out of the property at the end of the tenancy. It is advisable to establish the reasons for such a conduct before taking recourse to law. If there had been a wilful violation by the tenant, the landlord can make an application with the courts for a legal possession order. Such a process is normally inexpensive and quick under the Accelerated Possession Procedure. If the tenancy agreement is an Assured Shorthold, then this procedure can be easily used to evict the tenant.

Several other matters that are of concern to the landlord in letting out properties can occur. It is best if you talk to our specialists on the rights and responsibilities of landlords in UK before letting out your property.