How to be a landlord?

mrbadexample

calliopeviolet wrote: »

Why should you join a LL Association? Well, for help and advice for a start.

Aren't I getting that here?

G_M

susie-sue wrote: »

Can I just but in to ask a question on something that's already been brought up in this topic about Fire Detectors. Are they a legal requirement? My tenant has removed the detector from the property. Am I breaking any laws by not having a smoke detector in the property? He removed it a few months ago but I just found out this morning when I did an inspection.

Smoke detectors/alarms are a requirement in HMOs. Otherwise no, though any prudent landlord will fit them and ensure they remain fitted and working, for the protection of both the tenant and the property.

Some LL's insurance requires them - check the policy.

Why did the tenant remove? Probobly because either
a) the batteries were running low so it was constanly beeping (low battery warning) or
b) it was too sensitive/placed too close to the kitchen so went off every time they used the toaster

Ask. Then either replace the batteries or relocate the detector.

Siouxsie32

G_M wrote: »

Smoke detectors/alarms are a requirement in HMOs. Otherwise no, though any prudent landlord will fit them and ensure they remain fitted and working, for the protection of both the tenant and the property.

Some LL's insurance requires them - check the policy.

Why did the tenant remove? Probobly because either
a) the batteries were running low so it was constanly beeping (low battery warning) or
b) it was too sensitive/placed too close to the kitchen so went off every time they used the toaster

Ask. Then either replace the batteries or relocate the detector.

Thanks. You're right, it was beeping so he replaced the battery and it still beeped. He told me this on Friday and when I did an inspection (already arranged) yesterday he had removed it completely. He said he's happy to live without one. I just wondered where I stand legally now that I know it's not there. It's just the tenant that lives there so not a HMO.

mrbadexample

Our tenant pays rent weekly. Section 4 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 indicates that we are therefore required to provide a rent book or other similar document.

1. Am I correct in my understanding of the legislation?
2. Where can I get a rent book?
3. What other similar document would be suitable?

Thanks,
MBE

theartfullodger

Sigh!

Let me Google that for you...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=where+can+I+get+a+rent+book

mrbadexample

theartfullodger wrote: »

Sigh!

Let me Google that for you...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=where+can+I+get+a+rent+book

Aw c'mon, you can do better than that! I could have Googled it myself, but I'd still have to read the results.



So I do need one then, right?

jimjames

mrbadexample wrote: »

Yeah, I'm not looking forward to the end of year tax return.

I was surprised how easy the tax return was. As long as you've kept records during the year (I did ours in a simple Excel spreadsheet) then the final numbers are a doddle. I only wish my limited company accounts were as easy!

G_M

mrbadexample wrote: »

Aw c'mon, you can do better than that! I could have Googled it myself, but I'd still have to read the results.



So I do need one then, right?

I have to say it's getting boring now.

You've been pointed at resources where ALL your questions can be answered. DO SOME RESEARCH FOR YOURSELF. As you've admitted you should have done so before you started, but you've been hand-held for 79 posts now!

My first post pointed you at books, leglislation, landlords associations, websites......... READ THEM.

You'll learn a lot beyond these individual questions you keep asking.

I for one will not be posting further on this thread unless I get paid a consultancy fee. There's asking for a bit of help, and there's taking the p***!

G_M

susie-sue wrote: »

Thanks. You're right, it was beeping so he replaced the battery and it still beeped. He told me this on Friday and when I did an inspection (already arranged) yesterday he had removed it completely. He said he's happy to live without one. I just wondered where I stand legally now that I know it's not there. It's just the tenant that lives there so not a HMO.

OK - despite my statement above, one more post here as it's for you susie!

Answer to your question is in post 73 above:

Smoke detectors/alarms are a requirement in HMOs. Otherwise no, though any prudent landlord will fit them and ensure they remain fitted and working, for the protection of both the tenant and the property.

Some LL's insurance requires them - check the policy.

Why do I feel myself getting tetchy? Better go to bed soon....

prudryden

What a great thread!! Some really funny comments. Good luck Mrbad - once you get going, it's a doddle. First rental is the hard one, then they get easier and easier. Sort of like riding a bike.