Landlord's rights

Being a landlord can place you in a vulnerable position. You have the ultimate responsibility of making your mortgage repayments whether you rent out your property or not.

You are also trusting strangers to keep your property to a standard that will maintain its market value. In addition to this there are also the legal requirements associated with being a landlord and the duty of care, which must be extended to tenants in your property. Of course, it is a two-way street and tenants must uphold their side of the bargain too, but be aware of the legal obligations that you will have towards your tenant or tenants.

Many landlords seek suitable tenants from reputable management and letting agencies and indeed many continue throughout the tenancy of the property to conduct all dealings with the tenant through these agencies who will also take care of the maintenance and repair of the property. On the other hand, many landlords prefer to deal directly with their tenants and build a more personal relationship with them. It is important, whichever way you choose to deal with your tenants, that as a landlord to know both your rights and your obligations.