Advice and Information for Landlords
We recognise the important role that Landlords have in providing a supply of quality private rented homes. The information provided below should help to ensure a good working relationship between the Council, landlords and tenants.
Your responsibilities as a landlord
Landlords who let accommodation have a responsibility to ensure that it is free from serious hazards and in good repair:
More information about the rights and responsibilities of landlord is available here:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Legionella and landlords’ responsibilities:
What is Legionella?
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella. All man-made hot and cold-water systems are likely to provide an environment where Legionella can grow.
Further information can be found here:
www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-landlords-responsibilities
If you are a Landlord, you must understand the health risks associated with legionella Further information can be found here :
https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/what-you-must-do.htm
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have also produced an Approved Code of Practice and Guidance on the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. It is aimed at those in control of premises and those with health and safety responsibilities for others, to help them comply with their legal duties in relation to legionella. Copies of this guidance can be obtained from:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l8.htm
Energy Performance Certificates
Landlords must provide an Energy Performance Certificate to people who want to rent a home from them. This is enforced by Trading Standards. An energy performance certificate (EPC) provides information about the energy efficiency of the home for rent.
Other useful information for landlords
Letting your property
When you let your property to a tenant, the tenancy is usually an assured shorthold tenancy (unless you agree otherwise in writing or it is outside the assured tenancy legislation). This means that:
- you have a guaranteed right to get your home back after six months - if you need to
- you can charge a market rent
- you can get your home back if your tenant owes you at least two months' or eight weeks' rent
- tenants causing a nuisance to local people can be evicted.
The downloadable leaflet (below) gives more details:
Council Tax & Housing Benefit - Information for Landlords
We believe that landlords are an important stakeholder in the service that we provide. We aim to work with landlords to ensure that they receive payment promptly and to ensure that overpayments are minimised. In return we ask landlords to respect our obligations towards claimant confidentiality and the Data Protection Act when they make enquiries about their tenants.
Kent Trading Standards
Kent Trading Standards aims to make Kent a better place to live and do business. They enforce a wide range of legislation to protect the consumer and ensure that businesses compete on a 'level playing field'.
Contact
Tel: 01304 872397
Email: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk