Newbie landlord... what legal documents do I need? (& other q's)

HappyMal

I have read the above with interest and note the points above regarding Landlords Course and joining landlords association. Does anyone have any advice which association to join?

Basically, I have used a letting agent who has been totally useless; I have had to sort any problems at the property myself, including refusing to allow the letting agents "preferred" repairer into the property for a return visit as they were useless, rude to my tenant and incompetent at conducting the repairs. Instead of paying for inadequate services I am happy to learn what I need (thanks for the advice on landlords courses and associations, which I will look into).

I am looking for a Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (and am willing to pay for it). I would prefer one that I can edit and re-use. Is there a recommended, legally binding one, drawn up by practicing solicitors available online? As stated, I am not after a freebee, but would like ease of use. I have current Electrical Safety Certificate and EPC.

Thanks in advance

BitterAndTwisted

Investigate membership of organisations like the Residential Landlords Association or the National Landlords Association. Membership will give you examples of AST agreements and the cost of membership can be offset against income for tax purposes. Legal advice can often also be available to members.

ericonabike

Just to add another point of view - I have recently bought and rented a house to a family member [my son]. Like you and anyone else who starts off in a new field, I had no knowledge or experience to begin with. But on the other hand, I'm not stupid and can learn. Six months in and I'm perfectly content with the way it's panned out. I've treated the tenancy as I would any other, with tenancy agreement, inventory, deposit protection, gas safety check etc etc. As for the 'would I evict my son if he didn't pay his rent' question - if things between us got that bad then the house would be almost incidental.

No-one starts off as an expert and some of the comments on here can be unduly negative. On the other hand I found that first lurking, then posting in the Landlord Zone forum was extremely helpful. Find out what the risks are, weigh them up, then decide for yourself. And if you're thinking of using a letting agent - look through the 'Letting Agent' threads on the Landlord Zone forum first...
Edit - posted before I saw HappyMal's post.