Landlord responsibilities: You should be aware of these duties

Landlord obligations: What you need to bear in mind as a landlord

If you are letting out your property, you should be aware that your responsibilities do not end when you sign the tenancy agreement. On the contrary: many obligations only begin at this point. But what exactly are your responsibilities as a landlord?

1. Property maintenance

One of your most important responsibilities as a landlord is to Maintenance of the property. This includes:

• Repairs in the event of wear and tear or faulty equipment
• Damage to cables, pipes or construction defects
• Ensure that the radiators are working properly

If you are not on site, it is advisable to Caretaker service to carry out. You can contractually transfer minor cosmetic repairs, such as replacing door handles or light switches, to the tenant. However, this only applies if the damage is not due to normal wear and tear.

2. winter services and waste disposal

As a landlord, you are responsible for:

• Waste bins to provide
• With Slippery conditions in winter to organise a gritting service

Although you can delegate these responsibilities to your tenants, you are obliged to monitor compliance. This ensures that no legal problems arise.

3. service charge settlement

Service charges, such as refuse collection or winter maintenance, are usually covered by monthly advance payments. Once a year, you must:

• The payments made compare with the actual costs
• Provide the tenant with a detailed Service charge statement submit

If the tenant has overpaid, they will receive a refund. Otherwise, you must request an additional payment. The statement must 12 months at the latest to be generated once the accounting period has ended.

4. confirmation of residence

Since 1 November 2015, landlords have been obliged to provide the tenant with a Landlord confirmation to issue. The tenant needs this to register their place of residence. The tenancy agreement alone is not sufficient.

The confirmation must include the following:

• Your name and address
• The tenant’s move-in date
• The tenant’s name and the address of the flat

You have two weeks after moving in. If you miss this deadline, you may be liable for a fine. You can find the forms online.

5. Taking a professional approach to letting

Before you decide to let out your property, you should familiarise yourself with your obligations examine in great detail. If you don’t have time or are unsure, have a Property professional someone who will support you and take the pressure off you.

Your contact at FLEXMAKLER
Robert Schüßler
Property valuer (EIA and IHK)

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific individual case.

Photo: City Rat