Many Army families will become landlords at some point in their military career. You may have made a conscious decision to buy-to-let to help you onto the property ladder, with the intention of using that/those properties later on to help you buy your forever home. You may have bought your own house in an area, but were then posted away, and don’t want to lose the property but can’t afford to leave it empty.
As a landlord, first and foremost you are doing it to retain a foothold in the housing market and make a profit where possible.
However, to your tenant you are providing shelter (a basic need and requirement for all of us), and as a result you have legal and moral responsibilities, which you must meet.
To help you navigate your landlord requirements, AFF has collected a selection of links to useful websites to give you more information. Below is a basic list of things you need to consider when renting your property out.
Sole, part or full. Decide how hands-on you want or are able to be in regards to managing the property. A full management will include advertising and marketing, credit checks, guarantor’s checks and the deposit scheme. They will advise you on the best rent to charge, do the inventory start and end leases on your behalf and provide ongoing management provision.
Back to topCheck that your provider is aware that you are renting your property out. If you used Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) check that you are allowed to and have got the relevant permission.
Consider taking out a specific landlords insurance, especially one that guarantees you lost rent if the tenants decide to stop paying.
Back to topYou may have to register as a landlord with the council – check with your local area.
Back to topIf you are renting out to students or multiple individuals in one house, you will have to check to see if the property has to be registered as a HMO.
Back to topMembership tends to give you access to free advice and the most up-to-date requirements along with discounts on some costs.
Back to topMake sure that you are fully aware of your legal responsibilities as a landlord, what your agent is responsible for and what rights your tenants have e.g. repairs and how to end a tenancy agreement or evict tenants etc.
Back to topAny income from a rental property could be subject to income tax, so make sure you talk to an accountant.
Back to topwww.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/landlord-responsibilities
www.gov.uk/private-renting/your-landlords-safety-responsibilities
www.gov.uk/evicting-tenants
www.pims.co.uk
england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/landlord_responsibilities
england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/tenants_responsibilities
www.gov.uk/registration-for-private-landlords-scotland
www.mygov.scot/renting-your-property-out
www.rentsmart.gov.wales/en
www.gov.uk/guidance/income-tax-when-you-rent-out-a-property-working-out-your-rental-income
https://www.nrla.org.uk/
www.ukala.org.uk
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