Renting out our house !!!

sam1970

I have been offered a good job abroad and looking to start next summer. As I am planning to come back to UK in 5 years time I decided to rent out my house rather than selling it. I have two questions and please excuse my ignorance as I never did this before:

1- The electric sockets in the house have no switches on them (they are the 3 way british sockets but without switches - I bought them from another country). Is there a legal requirement to have switched sockets before renting the house?

2- As the windows are 10 years old, alot of the window pannels have failed double glazing units and are misted...do I have to replace them before renting the house?

Obviously I am looking to rent through an agency and I know that they normally have a list of demands although I am confident I could rent the house out easily as there is large demand in my area

Guest101

Neither of those are requirements.

There's a lot to learn. Try to find G_Ms new land lord guide on here. But basically - research the agents, make sure they are reputable

G_M

1) No

2) No. But I would do so

a) as part of maintaining your property in good condition (and maintaining its value)
b) to make finding tenants easier
c) to pre-empt complaints once tenants are in place

edit: you can often replace the glazing only - much cheaper than installing complete new windows.

New Landlords (information for new or prospective landlords)

Letting Agents (Tips for selecting, and tips for sacking them)

Guest101

G_M wrote: »

1) No

2) No. But I would do so

a) as part of maintaining your property in good condition (and maintaining its value)
b) to make finding tenants easier
c) to pre-empt complaints once tenants are in place

edit: you can often replace the glazing only - much cheaper than installing complete new windows.

New Landlords (information for new or prospective landlords)

Letting Agents (Tips for selecting, and tips for sacking them)

My post should've just said- G_M will be along shortly with the links

Better_Days

Also make sure you are aware of the tax implications of letting whilst living abroad.

As you will be out of the country it will be vital to find a good agent. I would advise you to avoid the chains and see if you can get recommendations for a local independent.