1. Tenants can report your property if it is below standard
Landlords have a legal duty under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to ensure that the property is maintained in a habitable condition (unless any failure in this is caused by the tenant). In the event of e.g. no running water/electricity or there is excessive damp in the property that has not been repaired within a reasonable timeframe, then the tenant has the right to withhold rent until any works have been completed. Since March 2019, tenants can now sue their landlord directly for repairs and damages, rather than having to resort to their local authority.
2. Tenants must keep a rented property in a ‘tenant-like manner’
Landlords are not expected to repair or maintain items that a tenant has broken through negligence or misuse. Tenants are expected to look after their rented property and carry out small jobs around the property.
3. Deposits must be placed in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Failure to lodge any deposit in a government registered Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) within 30 working days of a tenancy commencing or the deposit being received is a criminal offence, with fines up to three times the amount of the deposit. Additionally, not lodging deposits through a recognised scheme also invalidates any Section 21 Notice (eviction notice) which the landlord may wish to serve.
4. Beware accidental tax evasion
If you receive an income from a property, you must declare this on an annual tax return, even if you would not otherwise be required to complete a tax return.
5. Right to Rent
Landlords must check that any occupiers have the right to rent, by them providing acceptable documentation to prove that they have the right to reside in this country. Failure to comply could mean a penalty of up to £3,000.00 per adult occupier.
For free expert advice on regulations that might affect you, please feel free to call us today on 01322 228090.