Getting landlords insurance is only the start of your responsibilities

Becoming a success in the buy-to-let market is about much more than just getting landlords insurance – in fact, you’ve got numerous responsibilities if this is your trade.

However, if you’re new to the market, you may still be finding your feet and working out exactly what these are. Don’t waste any more time if this applies to you. It’s important to do as much research as possible before jumping in with both feet – as not knowing your legal obligations could create serious problems further down the line.

Even the newest landlord is likely to have heard about obligations relating to gas safety and maintenance. As a refresher, have a read of the Gas Safety (Installation And Use) Regulations 1998. Under these laws, landlords must:

* Maintain gas appliances, ensuring they are kept in a safe condition at all times.

* Use tradesmen on the Gas Safe Register - to ensure their work is professionally completed.

* Arrange an annual gas safety check and issue a CP12 certificate to their tenant. This needs to be issued within 28 days of being completed and to any new tenant before they move in.

However, landlords’ responsibilities go much beyond these gas safety regulations. They also need to ensure that a home is safe and secure. This includes providing smoke detectors and making sure they work properly – this is especially important when a new tenant takes up residence in a property.

You also have responsibilities when it comes to maintenance of your property – the premises need to be kept in good order to meet housing codes and regulations. This includes structural components, as well as electrical, plumbing and heating. Household appliances, where provided, should be kept in adequate working condition.

When it comes to repairs, it is the landlord’s job to keep the property in the same condition as when the tenant moved in, aside from normal wear and tear. They must also deal with insects and other pests before the tenant occupies the property. Infestations must continue to be dealt with, unless the tenant is at fault. Landlords must also make sure there are provisions for waste disposal available outside the property.

Of course, there are some things that landlords aren’t responsible for – such as damage caused by the tenant – and this is why getting landlord insurance can be so important, especially when things go wrong. Although it’s your job to maintain the property, having the right cover can give you all the back-up you’ll need.