Advice- new landlady

rachyp

I moved abroad 18 months ago and my brother agreed to rent out my flat.
Signed a contract for the 1st year, phoned the mortgage company (I didn't need to change mortgage as it was immediate family etc).

Didn't get a new contract for him when the old one ran out in August as he's my brother. I am a fool etc etc I know this.
So, as you would expect, the B$%#^& has now EMAILED me on his girlfriend's account to say they are moving out as of end of the month.

Quite happy for him to leave as he is only paying me a nominal fee, but where do I stand in terms of renting it out now?
I want to go through a letting agency but I live in the Middle East. I am assuming I will have to change my mortgage to Buy to Let- is that right? Will this work out more expensive (am presuming of course it will).
Other issue is, the flat needs work doing to it- new roof, double glazing etc. Not stuff it will be easy for me to arrange (or afford) from here.
Is there some sort of safety check that needs to be done before letting agencies will take it on? It has some damp in the roof- will this have to be fixed?

Anyone know the cost of a new roof?

I am kicking myself completely for not sending him a new contract, as these thinkgs always happen if you don't have one, but c'est la vie etc.

Thanks for any help you can give me

Jowo_2

When the original contract ran out, it became a periodic contract which meant your brother has to give you a month's notice timed with the rental period.

Yes, you will need permission from your mortgage lender and you may need to pay a fee to get this or they may refuse to grant you it.

Yes, there are a number of health and safety and legal requirements to comply with - the landlordzone website will detail these. This includes at the very minimum, a gas safety certificate if there is a boiler or gas appliances in the property but also a landlord must ensure the furniture complies with fire regulations and the electrics are safe, there are no health/safety hazards.

And yes, you should fix all maintenance issues before tenants move in - tenants paying good money resent moving into a property to find their belongings go mouldy due to damp issues.

rachyp

Yep- got gas and electricity checks done for him so know about them. Will check out that website thanks.

Just in shock at having to sort all this stuff out now and not even being able to fly back to do it. Am relying on a VERY angry mother to speak to everyone on my behalf.
Only benefit seems to be I will now get paid the going rate for rent and not the pittance he pays me!

BitterAndTwisted

Lack of double-glazing is not a critical issue for some tenants, so this will not preclude you being able to rent out the property but the issue with the roof depends on what, if any, damage is being caused to the property or could be caused to the rest of the property and any tenants' possessions, so it's not a forgone conclusion that you won't be able let it.

The most critical thing is to get your lender's consent to let. Some charge a fee rather than insisting on a buy-to-let mortgage, so it's not all completely bleak

G_M

As you are an expat landlord, and not hugely experienced (trying to be diplomatic here!) you'll need a good letting agent (ARLA or the like)
You agent will need to deduct tax from the rent before passing it to you as you are overseas (unless you get dispensation from HMRC).

Landlordzone will give you a good idea of what's involved, what you need to do, + lots of links to providers (LL insurance, mortgages, accountants etc etc)

Agents will manage minor repairs /works, but I wouldn't expect them to oversee major stuff like the roof.

not_tonight_josephine_2

I appreciate I don't know the full story, but don't get why you and your Mum are so mad at your brother?! Not particularly relevant I guess, I'm just intrigued!

rachyp

haha-long story. Mostly at the moment him leaving me in the lurch with the mortgage to cover and having to arrange the roof being fixed, damp being sorted and then finding new tenants from overseas.
He basically has arranged to move out at end of Feb and tells me today!

iamana1ias

rachyp wrote: »

haha-long story. Mostly at the moment him leaving me in the lurch with the mortgage to cover and having to arrange the roof being fixed, damp being sorted and then finding new tenants from overseas.
He basically has arranged to move out at end of Feb and tells me today!

He's in breach of contract then.

I'd have thought your tax free income over there would make it a lot easier to cover a rent void than a lot of landlords

sequence

If your this mad now it doesn't sound like your cut out at being a landlord..... Oh, and never rent to family!

Fire_Fox

Are you sure you are going to have to pay for the new roof alone? If this is a leasehold flat costs are usually shared, and there is a process of consultation to go through before you can carry out repairs - if it's an emergency you need to go to an LVT for special dispensation.