Landlord and tenant responsibilities are always made clear in a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement but why do we still hear of bad experiences?
The foundation of a good relationship between landlord and tenant is respect on both sides and understanding what your responsibilities are.
For a landlord this involves making sure the property is free of any health hazards and safe for tenants to live in. The following checks must be carried out prior to tenants moving in:
Gas safety check - must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provide the tenants with a copy of the certificate for proof.
Electrical safety - the electrical system and any appliances should all be checked and safe to use.
Fire safety - making sure the tenants have access to escape routes and all furnishings supplied are fire safe.
Landlords are always responsible for repairs on the structure and exterior of the property. Any type of sanitary fittings i.e sinks/baths/WC. Heating and hot water should always be in full working order. Bear in mind, any repairs needed due to the tenants own fault, there will need to be some compromise. This takes me onto the tenants responsibilities:
Pay the agreed rent on time.
Pay any utility bills that are not included in the rental amount i.e council tax, water, electricity & gas.
Take good care of the property, repair any damage caused by you, family or friends.
How easy does all that sound? In practice it should be and it makes sense!
These are just the basics and the obvious points but the responsibilities need to be clear and understood. Its the grounds of a good landlord and tenant relationship, start as you mean to go on.
Beth Alexandra Property Specialists
