Letting made easy: Your most important obligations as a landlord
Concluding a tenancy agreement does not mean that your responsibilities end - on the contrary: as a landlord, you have a number of obligations that begin with the letting. To avoid legal problems and dissatisfaction, you should be fully aware of these obligations.
1. maintenance and repairs
One of the most important duties is the Maintenance of the property. This includes:
- Repair of Defective cables, pipes and damage due to construction defects.
- Ensuring that the Heating works - in the event of breakdowns, you must ensure that repairs are carried out quickly.
- If you are not on site: Caretaker services to monitor the condition of the property.
Important: You can transfer minor cosmetic repairs such as repairing door handles or light switches to the tenant in the tenancy agreement. However, damage caused by normal wear and tear is your responsibility.
2. winter services and waste disposal
As a landlord, you must ensure that:
- The property in winter scattered to avoid icy road accidents.
- Sufficient Waste bins are available.
You can transfer these obligations to the tenant in the tenancy agreement, but the Duty to inspect with you: You must ensure that the tenant fulfils his duties.
3. service charge settlement
The monthly service charges, which the tenant pays in advance, must be settled once a year. As a landlord, you must:
- Compare the actual costs with the advance payments.
- One Detailed utility bill and present it to the tenant.
- The settlement 12 months at the latest after the end of the accounting period.
Depending on the result, the tenant receives a refund or has to make an additional payment.
4. confirmation of residence
Since 01.11.2015, landlords have been obliged to provide tenants with a Landlord confirmation to be issued. This certificate is required to register your place of residence with the residents' registration office. It must contain
- Your name and address
- The name of the tenant
- The move-in date
- The home address
The confirmation must be received within two weeks be issued after moving in. Violations may result in a fine. You can find templates for the landlord's confirmation of residence online.
5. support from experts
Before you let your property, you should find out all you can about your obligations. If you are unsure or need assistance with management, it is advisable to contact a Property professional for advice. This will help you avoid stress and legal pitfalls.
