Pre-Tenancy

Premises -Overview of repairing obligations upon landlord

• Government's view on repairing obligations
• Common Law implied terms
• Statutory implied terms
• Local authority repair powers
• HMOs

Premises - Practical considerations

• Repair
• Cleanliness/redecoration
• Fitness and Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Decent Homes
• Gas and Electrical Safety
• Furniture fire resistance
• Appliance "white goods" safety
• Inform Mortgagee & Freeholder (may charge "registration fee")
• Insurance (Building and Contents)
• Legal
• Rent Guarantee

Rent – what level

• Full Managing Agents or just Tenant finders
• Tax
• Membership of a Landlord’s Association

Start of Tenancy

• Assured Shorthold or Excluded Tenancies
• Inherited Tenants - Protected?
• Copy of Tenancy Agreement
• Understanding the Agreement
• Deposits
• Inventory
• References
• Council Tax and Water Rates
• Rent Book requirements
• Housing Benefit
• List of useful contacts for Tenants
• List of useful contacts for Landlord
• Garden/Yards/Outbuildings/Common Parts maintenance
• Working fire alarm system

During Tenancy

• Routine Inspection and Maintenance
• Your right of entry and tenant's right of refusal
• Emergency procedures
• Rent collection
  • Increases
  • Arrears
• Tenancy renewal
• Housing Benefit
• Discuss problems, keep records, early mediation
• Nuisance/un-tenant-like behaviour
• Where to get help

How to end the Tenancy

• Follow "due-process"
• Notice to quit
• Court hearing
• Court bailiffs
• What constitutes criminal harassment?
• Unlawful eviction
• Abandoned tenancy
  • Tenants goods and disposal
• Return of Deposits
• Inventory
• Outstanding Bills
• Meter readings