Landlords - is there a separate topic?

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Hi all, is there a separate topic for landlords to discuss issues or is this the best place?

DH and I are just in the process of buying a BTL, due to complete in a few weeks time. I have joined the landlords association, so will be looking on their website.

Just wondering if anyone had signed up with british gas for any of their maintenance packages? They seem quite expensive but I am wondering if it is worth it for peace of mind. DH is away a lot and in any case is limited in terms of DIY skills.

Thanks.

I think here is as good a place as any!

I havent used British Gas, but I regularly consider using other cheaper companies. Sorry not much use as I cant think of any off hand now, NLA may have more details or google.

Looking at what I've spent on boiler & heating issues I think I may have just about broken even if I had taken a policy out over the 10 years we've had BTLs. That said though I do have a cheap handiman.

I have a 'fixit' policy with my buildings/contents insurance, very cheap this year although suspect that is a one-off deal.

you certainly should have some cover; you never know when your tenant will have a problem and while you are not expected to fix in an hour, if it is when you are away that is not the tenant's problem.

just my usual reminders;

• don't expect your agent to do very much. Hopefully they will but you will be chasing. In particular, make sure they have done the deposit protection properly as YOU will be in trouble if they haven't.
• make sure everything works in the property. No trick locks or iffy switches.
• leave instructions and copies of any relevant manuals for your tenants. Plus a box of chocs and a new home card.
• make sure you have malicious damage insurance and legal expenses insurance.
• arrange to visit the tenant to say hello and check all is well, then visit every few months by arrangement.

Hi, thanks, I hadn't thought of checking with the insurance providers but that is a good idea. The house is a new build so I am hoping it won't need much but of course things can always go wrong, drains can get blocked, etc, once we have completed we will stay in the house for a few days just to make sure everything works like doors/windows/locks etc. We have rented a lot ourselves in the past so hopefully that will help us be good landlords....we just need to get ourselves some good tenants!

sounds good. But you MUST have the right insurance, that is a big one.