Landlord responsibilities
Besides meeting all the legal requirements of renting a private property (see Safety requirements) as a landlord you also have other responsibilities with regards to the property even though you are not resident.
Repairs and maintenance
If you have an assured shorthold tenancy your landlord will normally be responsible for:
- the structure and exterior of the building, including roof and guttering
- installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity
- fixed heaters and water heating equipment
Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
Since April 2006 properties of three or more storeys occupied by five or more unrelated tenants sharing facilities must have a licence from the local authority. However each local authority implements the Housing Act 2004 legislation differently, so it is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the dwelling is fully compliant locally.
For further information on licensing and to clarify whether your property requires one, please contact your local authority. We will need to see the licence or evidence of an application in order to register the property.
Council tax
Full-time students (21 hours a week or more) living with non-students (or part-time students studying less than 21 hours a week) and who rent or own a property jointly are, exempt from any council tax liability. You will need to ensure that the council receive an exemption certificate confirming your status. The non-students (or part-time students) will be made liable for the council tax. If there is only one non-student (or part-time student) resident in the property then a 25% council tax discount will be applied.
Full time students living in Brighton and Hove can apply for a council tax reduction via the council website. Full-time students living elsewhere can request a letter from their local Registry Office or by emailing studentadministration@brighton.ac.uk.
If you are unable to prove that your property was occupied solely by students at a later date, you may be asked to pay any council tax owing on the property.
Income tax
If you own a rental property you are obliged to pay tax on any income or profit you make from it.
Income tax is payable on any rental income you receive from letting out your property. Contact your local tax office for more details or visit HM Revenue and Customs.
Insurance
Landlords are advised to contact their insurance companies before letting to students to ensure that they are covered for student occupants. Not doing so may render policies null and void. Students are advised to get their own insurance for their personal belonging
Tenant responsibilities
The universities make every effort to inform student tenants of their responsibilities under a tenancy agreement.
A tenant has a number of responsibilities as part of a tenancy agreement, these include:
- paying the rent on time
- not causing a nuisance to neighbours or other occupants
- using the property in a proper manner and avoiding damaging it
- taking steps to prevent major damage e.g. turning off water if pipes have burst
- securing the property when it is empty
- undertaking minor maintenance e.g. unblocking sinks, replacing lightbulbs, general cleaning
- informing the landlord if any repairs are needed.
