Landlord Responsibilities

Proof of Identity and Ownership

A landlord is responsible for supplying self identification and proof that he owns the property to be marketed for rent.

Lender’s Consent

A landlord is responsible for notifying any lending institution with an interest in the property that it is to be let and notifying them of renewals, extensions, re-lettings etc. Failure to do so may invalidate the mortgage and the tenancy agreement. A written copy of the permission to be submitted to the agent prior to any let commencing.

Superior Landlord’s Consent to the Letting of a Leasehold Property

A landlord is responsible for seeking consent to the letting of the property to be let if he does not own the freehold interest. He should show a copy of the lease to the agents prior to any tenancy being drafted, in order that any clauses necessary may be inserted into the Tenancy Agreement. Failure to do so may result in a breach of the Leasehold Agreement and invalidate the tenancy agreement.

Consent from Insurers

A landlord is responsible for notifying his insurers (for building and contents) that the property is to be let and must be aware of any exclusions or special conditions arising because of the letting. Such exclusions or special conditions may be required to be shown in the Tenancy Agreement. Failure to notify the insurers may invalidate an insurance policy.

Overseas Landlord – Tax (non UK resident landlords only)

A landlord residing outside of the UK for more than six months during the course of the letting will need to apply to the Inland Revenue for acceptance for self-assessment of tax (NRL1), and to receive his rents gross.