What's required from a landlord?

[OhILoveDoughnuts]

We are accidentally landlords. Tried to sell the house for 2 years, sales kept falling through. So we now rent it out. Financially the only choice for us.

Tenant so far seems to be asking for a lot. The latest being they want us to pay for their mirrors ti be put up? Never having been a landlord before. Where do you draw the line?

Arrange for internet & phone line to be connected?

Your liable for repairs, damp, guttering, roof, leaks etc and keeping it in good living condition.

Not for putting mirrors up. They are taking the piss.

The latest being they want us to pay for their mirrors ti be put up? No, you give them permission to put mirrors/picture up and they do it or pay someone to. When they move out, they have to remove any nails/hooks, patch and touch up paint.

Arrange for internet & phone line to be connected? No, that is theirs to deal with. Nothing to do with you.

I rent my landlord is responsible for repairs but most definitely not responsible for mirrors, internet or phone line. They're taking the piss Op.

No I would not put up mirrors or arrange for internet and phone line. I’m assuming you used a letting agent, they will be your go to for advice on these matters.

You are also liable for annual gas safety certificate and electrical safety certificate every 5yrs.

Neither of the above.
I'm also an accidental landlord, and have everything dealt with by an agency. Saves the hassle and for what you pay the agency, tbh, it's worth it.

This is so weird - have they never rented before?

The only time I've got the landlord to sort a mirror is it's his mirror, and when repair work was done in the bathroom the stupid workmen left down the shower rail, mirror and towel rail. I could have done without but I had nowhere to store it and would be liable if the mirror was damaged so they sent a handyman in with a drill

I agree with use an agency. There are lots of legal requirements and if you have an agent, you can be sure you are protected.

For mirrors it is discretionary, but maybe you would prefer it done on your say-so than a botched diy job, Does the tenancy allow for picture hooks etc?

Make sure all your paperwork is watertight.
Gas and electrical safety certificates.Tenants must have copies.
Tenant’s deposit (5 weeks rent equivalent is the max) is insured or lodged. Copy of proof ( the certificate) sent to tenant.
EPC cert given to tenant.
Insure the building but tell the tenant in writing that insuring their contents is their responsibility.
Join a Landlord’s Association, check them out online.
Put everything to tenants in writing, do not go on verbal agreements.
Be a fair landlord and you’ll have happy tenants that’ll stay.
( and no, you don’t hang mirrors or pictures! Are you sure they’re not just asking permission? Some landlords are anti anything going on the walls, but I always think that’s what makes a home)

Are you sure they’re asking you to put the mirrors up rather than asking permission to put them up?

internet and phone is down to them.

TBH you should know the answers to these - being an accidental landlord isn’t an excuse to not know your responsibilities.

And if you genuinely need to find out more information then you should be using a landlord site for whatever part of the UK you’re in (assuming you are) rather than MN where you’ll get opinions voiced as facts in amongst the facts.

This is incorrect. The OP still needs to know because she is the one legally responsible and some agents are, frankly, shit.

Not if you have an agent. The agreement you sign with an agent makes them legally liable as the landlord for any failure on their part. Of course if they advise you to say, repair a roof leak, and you refuse then you are still liable. But if you follow their advice, they are legally liable.

Ll cannot absolve themselves of their statutory responsibilities by using an agent. They are still ultimately liable.

The property is fully managed by a Lettings agent. Who keeps calling me with these requests! I thought some requests were odd. But I don't know where to draw the line.

I'm using an agent 😂

No, it is always the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their legal requirements are met. The responsibility and liability is always with the LL.

So LL’s who hand over to an agent still need to know what all their responsibilities are so they can be sure they have a decent agent who is actually making sure everything is done.

a LL cannot simply wash their hands of the responsibilities and liabilities by paying an agent.

If you have an agent and they’re wasting your time with things like the mirror request then you need a better agent.

You certainly don't pay for mirrors to be put up. How big is the mirror? Is it on the ceiling? You may want something specific about making good on exit if it's like some Versailles shit.

This. You can never sign away a statutory responsibility. OP I suggest you quickly get yourself some training to ensure you and your tenants are protected.

The mirror thing, no you don’t need to do that. But I don’t think that’s the biggest issue here!

From the pov of a tenant - landlord is responsible for the fabric of building and any contents provided. As others said ensuring correct paperwork is issued, that deposit is lodged in relevant scheme or appropriately insured; annual gas safety check plus PAT/FAT testing for electrical appliances etc.

Regarding things like mirrors/decorating etc - request permission to do and agreement to make good at end of tenancy (remove hooks and fill holes; redecorate to neutral colours); flooring if replaced by tenant then need to check with landlord at end of tenancy. Things like broadband/tv service is entirely the responsibility of the tenant unless including bills and services in rental agreement.

I’d inform letting agent that simple requests such as hanging mirrors, tenant to be informed they need to do themselves or pay a tradesman to do; if repairs then you’re to be consulted (especially whether it’s a wear & tear issue or misuse that’s led to need for repair). Anything such as internet etc is down to the tenant to organise and pay for.

My landlord is apparently responsible for fitting my electric cooker I didn't actually know this and had paid argos to do it then I had my electrical check turns out argos hadn't fitted it correctly and my landlords electrician corrected it for free but this is housing association so it might be different

My responsibly is interior decor keeping gardens tidy not causing trouble and paying my rent on time

Don't forget to get Landlords Insurance.

HA’s generally don’t have a legal responsibility to fit cookers unless they supplied them, but many do insist on fitting them to reduce the risk of dodgy fittings like the one you experienced.

One HA locally insist on fitting cookers and plumbing washing machines. They say it’s cheaper than repairs by badly fitted ones. Another doesn’t offer either. Just depends.