Managing your tenancies

Setting up and managing a tenancy can be complicated and there are several elements which must be included to ensure that the tenancy is legal, there are also different types of tenancies that can be offered.

Tenancy agreement

Ensuring a tenancy agreement is set up correctly is essential at the start of a new tenancy. When you set up an agreement you must consider everything that should be included. There is a template available if you need it.

Tenancy deposit protection

When starting a tenancy, it is usual practice to take a deposit.

All deposits are protected by a certified tenancy deposit scheme. It is a legal requirement to protect a tenant's deposit and you can face penalties if this is not done. Once a deposit is protected, tenants must be given the all the correct deposit information for their tenancy.

All tenancy deposit schemes operate a free dispute service to provide help and support if there is a disagreement about the deposit.

Rent checks

You must carry out right to rent checks on any prospective tenants or you could face penalties for illegal renting.

What must be provided to a tenant before the start of a tenancy

a how to rent booklet
an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that should be no more than 10 years old and be rated E or above. If you do not have the certificate, copies can be found on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) register. If your certificate is out of date or below an E, and you have had work done by a registered local energy supplier, they can issue the certificate.
the Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) should be in place before a tenancy agreement is signed and should be completed by a fitter who is a member of the Gas Safe register
you must also carry out compulsory electrical safety tests

During a tenancy

During a tenancy the landlord has numerous responsibilities and requirements to comply with. See Gov.uk: renting out a property.

Ending a tenancy

There are several ways you can evict a tenant and the type of notice served depends on what has happened. These include Section 21 and 8 notices, and Possession Claims, but these can only be served under certain circumstances.