Renting a Property: Key Dos and Don’ts to Remember
Renting a Property
Renting out a property can be a great way to earn steady income, but it also comes with significant responsibilities and potential pitfalls. Whether you are a first-time landlord or an experienced property owner, understanding the dos and don’ts of renting a property is essential to protect your investment, avoid legal trouble, and maintain positive relationships with tenants. This guide covers the key points every landlord should remember — from fulfilling your landlord responsibilities to navigating complex situations like serving an eviction notice.
The Dos of Renting a Property
Do Understand Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord
As a landlord, you have certain legal obligations that you must meet. These include ensuring the property is safe and habitable, dealing with repairs promptly, and protecting your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme. Fulfilling these landlord responsibilities is not optional — it’s required by law.
You should also be familiar with what is legal for landlords in terms of rent increases, inspections, and eviction processes. Overstepping your legal boundaries could lead to fines, legal disputes, or even being barred from renting out property in the future.
Do Provide a Clear and Comprehensive Tenancy Agreement
One of the most important things you can do is create a well-drafted tenancy agreement. This document protects both you and your tenant by setting out the terms of the tenancy, including rent amount, payment dates, responsibilities, and conditions for ending the tenancy.
If you’re unsure how to draft a tenancy agreement that’s fair and legal for landlords, consider consulting a solicitor or eviction specialist UK firm that also advises on contracts.
Do Carry Out Thorough Tenant Referencing
Before you hand over the keys, ensure you have done proper checks on your tenant. This means verifying employment, checking previous landlord references, and conducting a credit check. First 4 landlord advice often stresses the importance of tenant screening to avoid costly problems down the line.
A bad tenant can mean rent arrears, property damage, or lengthy eviction proceedings. Investing time upfront can save a lot of headaches later.
Do Know the Correct Process for Evictions
Sometimes, things don’t work out with tenants despite your best efforts. When that happens, it’s critical to follow the correct legal procedure for evicting a tenant.
You’ll need to serve the right kind of eviction notice depending on the situation. If the tenancy is periodic or you simply want the property back without needing to give a reason, you’ll typically use a section 21 notice (sometimes called a “no-fault eviction”).
If your tenant has broken the terms of the tenancy (e.g., rent arrears or antisocial behaviour), a section 8 notice is more appropriate.
Getting this wrong could result in your eviction attempt being thrown out of court, leading to delays and extra costs. Many landlords seek help from tenant eviction specialists or eviction specialists to ensure everything is done by the book.
Do Keep Records of All Communications and Payments
It’s wise to document everything related to your property. Keep copies of rent receipts, correspondence with tenants, maintenance requests, and notices served.
If a dispute arises, these records can be invaluable, especially if you need to involve the court or eviction specialists.
Do Regular Inspections (Legally)
You have the right to inspect your property, but you must do so respectfully and within the law. Give at least 24 hours’ written notice before visiting, unless it’s an emergency.
These inspections allow you to spot potential issues early — from maintenance problems to breaches of tenancy terms — and can help prevent costly repairs or legal disputes.
Do Stay Up to Date on Legal Changes
Laws around renting, section 21, section 8, and other landlord matters change frequently. For example, there have been ongoing discussions about abolishing section 21 notices in the UK. Being aware of these changes is essential so that you don’t accidentally break the law or miss important deadlines.
The Don’ts of Renting a Property
Don’t Ignore Tenant Complaints or Repairs
It can be tempting to delay non-urgent repairs, but this can quickly backfire. Small issues often turn into major (and expensive) problems.
More importantly, failing to address legitimate concerns could breach your landlord responsibilities, potentially leading to fines or legal action. If a tenant feels unsafe or neglected, they might also stop paying rent or report you to the local council.
Don’t Attempt Illegal Evictions
Never try to remove a tenant by changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or harassing them into leaving. This is illegal and could result in criminal charges or a hefty compensation claim.
If you need to remove a tenant, work with tenant eviction specialists, eviction specialist UK services, or legal advisors to ensure you follow the correct process. A proper eviction notice — whether under section 21 or section 8 — is the only lawful starting point.
Don’t Rely on Verbal Agreements
Even if you trust your tenant, a verbal agreement is risky. If disputes arise, it’s your word against theirs.
Always put agreements in writing, from the tenancy contract to any changes made during the tenancy. Written agreements are far easier to enforce if legal action becomes necessary.
Don’t Forget to Protect the Deposit
One of the most common mistakes new landlords make is failing to protect the tenant’s deposit in an approved scheme.
Not only is this a breach of your landlord responsibilities, but it also means you lose the right to serve a section 21 eviction notice later on. You could also face financial penalties of up to three times the deposit amount.
Don’t Assume You Can Reclaim Possession Whenever You Want
Many landlords wrongly assume they can evict a tenant as soon as they want the property back. But you must follow due legal process.
Whether you are using a section 21 or section 8 notice, expect that the process could take several months — particularly if the tenant challenges the eviction in court. That’s why working with eviction specialists or tenant eviction specialists can help you navigate the process smoothly.
When to Seek Help from Professionals
There are many situations where getting expert advice can save you stress, time, and money. For example:
- You’re unsure about the correct type of eviction notice to serve
- The tenant refuses to leave after notice expires
- There are rent arrears or property damage disputes
- You’re navigating complex legal issues around section 21 or section 8
In such cases, contacting eviction specialists, eviction specialist UK services, or tenant eviction specialists ensures you stay within the law and improve your chances of success.
Final Thoughts: Renting a Property Responsibly
Renting out property can be rewarding, but it’s not without challenges. By following the dos and don’ts outlined above, you can minimise risks, stay compliant with the law, and foster good relationships with your tenants.
Remember: your role as a landlord carries significant legal and moral obligations. Staying informed about your landlord responsibilities, understanding what’s legal for landlords, and knowing when to seek help from eviction specialists are all key to success.
If you ever feel uncertain or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek first 4 landlord advice or consult with tenant eviction specialists. Taking action early can prevent small issues from becoming costly legal battles.