As the landlord, it is your utmost responsibility to ensure that the property you’ve rented out to a tenant is safe and free from all health hazards.
There are numerous things you’ll have to pay attention to and some are inherently unique to the location so for this article, we’ll cover just five of the most important;
1. Repairs: Would you like to move into a house with leaking pipes or with walls where paint has chipped off? Neither would your tenant. If you’re going to have to spend money to fix the issues, then do it. There’s really no excuse to leave things like this and then charge someone else a monthly stipend to endure it or worse, fix it themselves. Remember that should anything require fixing, it is your responsibility to have it done.
2. Electrical: Lights, sockets and basically everything that qualifies as part of an electrical system including the television and kitchen appliances must be checked and ensured that they are safe to use. No frayed or exposed wires must be left unfixed. If something is faulty, fix it. If a bulb is blown, replace it.
3. Gas: If there are gas canisters in the house, have a registered engineer check them. Make sure they’re not about to expire or leaking gas. If you’re allowing the tenant to cook, this will be very important. Have the engineer verify that the installation is correct and secure. A gas check should be ordered annually or bi-annually. After it is done, request a copy of the safety check and provide it to the tenant for their perusal.
4. Fire: If you’re renting out an apartment in a high rise building, there’s bound to be fire escape routes. Make sure these are known to the tenant. If fire extinguishers are available, check that they are up to date and working. Most importantly, ensure that nothing in the apartment can contribute to a fire hazard.
5. Rent increases: In the agreement you draft out, it must be stated clearly how and when the rent will reviewed. Be aware that you cannot raise the rent without the permission of the tenant and rent cannot be increased more than once a year. If the tenant does not agree to a rent increase, then the rent can only be increased when the tenancy is over or when it is up for renewal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the proposed increase of rent is both fair and in line with the average rental amounts in your immediate vicinity.
5. Rent increases: In the agreement you draft out, it must be stated clearly how and when the rent will reviewed. Be aware that you cannot raise the rent without the permission of the tenant and rent cannot be increased more than once a year. If the tenant does not agree to a rent increase, then the rent can only be increased when the tenancy is over or when it is up for renewal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the proposed increase of rent is both fair and in line with the average rental amounts in your immediate vicinity.
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