Becoming a landlord can be a natural step for many. However, if you haven’t done the proper research or you aren’t used to managing the new responsibilities, there might be certain legal requirements that get overlooked. This article provides clarity on whether or not landlord registration is part of the compulsory requirements for UK landlords.
Landlords responsibilities
Landlords are bound by a range of legal responsibilities when renting out a property. This includes:
- Making sure properties are safe to inhabit on an ongoing basis.
- Install gas and electrical equipment safely.
- Provide an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate for the property.
- Conduct right to rent checks on any properties in England.
- Protect your tenants’ deposits using an approved scheme.
- Tax and National Insurance contributions.
Additional responsibilities for commercial landlords
While the above responsibilities remain for commercial landlords, they are expanded upon in a few areas. For instance, there is likely to be a greater emphasis on maintenance and repair, especially for tenants in technical industries. Other safety precautions and checks will need to be done based on the type of work the property is being used for. This might involve work to improve ventilation, air conditioning, structural support, compliance laws, and more.
Registering as a landlord
So yes, it is a requirement to register as a landlord if you are renting a domestic or commercial property out to tenants. This applies even if you use an estate agent to manage the property, the property has a HMO certificate, or if you are jointly named on the property title deeds.
The process of registering as a landlord is relatively straightforward, although you will need to gather a variety of information. This includes:
- Date of birth.
- Address and contact information.
- The contact details of any estate agent managing the property
- Company registration number(applies to incorporated landlords)
- Details of every rental property owned – property address, date of construction, contact information of the owners, HMO license number(if present)
Why register?
If you are a UK landlord who is found to be unregistered, you can be fined £500. If this fine is not paid, it could result in legal action and further penalties. The defined offences include:
- Renting a property without registering
- Giving false information when registering
- Failure to provide proof of registration
On the other hand, there are also some benefits to being a registered landlord. Registration helps stay on top of the legal requirements associated with being a landlord, although a professional property solicitor will take care of this for you.
Conveyancing support for residential and commercial property
In conclusion, registration is yet another requirement for landlords that own properties they rent out to tenants. Completing the registration process is essential to avoid fines and maintain a good reputation as a landlord. The Toomey Legal team will factor in all additional costs, such as the landlord registration fee, when evaluating options for purchasing residential and commercial property. Get in touch to learn more about our conveyancing services.