Renting out your property may seem like an easy source of income, but it can be a legal minefield. Also you may have to pay tax on the income you earn. If there are disagreements between you and your tenants, it can quickly become a drain on your time and resources. The best way to avoid this is to take the right legal advice at the start.
Solicitors can deal with all areas of landlord and tenant law and are skilled in settling disagreements. But prevention is better than cure. Before you even look for a tenant, a solicitor can help you decide what the terms of the tenancy will be and can build these terms into a written 'tenancy agreement' tailored to your needs.
Tenancy agreements
A tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your tenant. This contract can be written or verbal. In England and Wales there is no law to say that landlords have to provide a written tenancy agreement, but it is a good idea to do so. Otherwise, if you have a dispute with your tenant about the terms of the agreement, it is your word against theirs as to what was agreed.
The main advantage of having a written tenancy agreement is that it sets out your rights and responsibilities as a landlord in a way that is legally enforceable. This keeps disagreements to a minimum because both sides know where they stand.
Finding a solicitor
If you don't already have a solicitor, you can find one at www.lawsociety.org.uk/find-a-solicitor by searching under 'Landlord and tenant-residential'. Or you can call 020 7320 5650.
Drawing up your agreement
Once you have appointed a solicitor, they will explain your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. You then have the opportunity to explain your specific needs and concerns. This will help the solicitor to draw up a tenancy agreement that is tailor-made to your needs. During this process, your solicitor will cover the following issues with you.
Length and type of tenancy
What type of tenancy do you want? How many tenants will live in the property? What notice will you or your tenant need to give to end the tenancy? How long will the tenancy last?
Restrictions
What restrictions do you want to place on your tenants about keeping pets or playing loud music?
Rent
How much rent can you charge? When must the tenant pay the rent? What penalties are there for paying late? When can you increase the rent? Are Council Tax and fuel included in the rent?
Deposits
What deposit must the tenant pay? Is the property furnished? If so, will the agreement include a list of furnishings and fittings? When should you return the deposit and in what circumstances can you keep it?
All deposits taken by landlords must be held in one of three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes. These schemes make it easier to resolve disputes over deposits.
You must tell the tenant in writing which scheme the deposit is being held in within 30 days of receiving their deposit. If you do not do this, you can be taken to court and fined. Your solicitor can tell you more about tenancy deposit schemes.
Service charges and repairs
Will you provide any services such as laundry, maintenance or meals? Will you be making separate service charges for these? What are your duties to make repairs?
Access
What are your rights to enter the property? It is a good idea to give all these issues some thought before you visit your solicitor, and to take along any documents which may be relevant.
Using the agreement
Once you have a tenancy agreement, make sure that both you and your tenant sign it at the start of the tenancy. You must give your tenant a copy of the agreement if they ask for it.
Related matters
Your solicitor can also give you advice on some of the broader issues involved in being a landlord, such as tax liability and what to do if the property you want to rent out is mortgaged.
Disagreements
If you do have a disagreement with your tenants, there are several ways your solicitor can help. Whether it's a simple case of checking your legal rights, or something more complicated such as adapting your tenancy agreement, negotiating a solution or even going to court, your solicitor has the knowledge and experience to support you.
Costs
Charges can vary between solicitors and depend upon the type and complexity of the tenancy agreement you want. Before you decide who to use, check with a few local solicitors to compare their charges. Remember that you may have to pay more for a more experienced solicitor.