- Maintaining the roof to prevent leaks and structural damage
- Regular cleaning of guttering to avoid blockages and water damage
- Annual servicing of the boiler to keep the heating system safe and efficient
- Keeping the garden well-maintained and safe for use
- Addressing structural issues, including resolving any damp or mould problems promptly
- Ensuring electrical systems are safe and regularly inspected
- Repairing or replacing broken windows and doors to maintain security
- Keeping communal areas clean and hazard-free in multi-occupancy properties
Failure to meet these obligations can lead to tenants' legal action; in some cases, landlords may be required to pay damages.
At Cribs Estates, we help landlords stay compliant by effectively managing their responsibilities and ensuring all maintenance tasks are carried out on time and to a high standard. Our support helps you avoid legal complications and maintain a safe, comfortable property for your tenants.
4. Legal Compliance:
Property compliance refers to the laws and regulations governing property construction, use, and maintenance. These regulations are implemented to ensure the public's safety and well-being, protect the environment, and preserve the country's cultural heritage. Ensuring legal compliance also helps prevent legal disputes and potential financial penalties.
To let the property, we must ensure that it is fully and legally compliant. This includes obtaining the necessary safety certificates, following local council licensing requirements, and adhering to tenant rights and responsibilities. Cribs Estates supports landlords in meeting these legal obligations efficiently and professionally.
- If the tenant is in arrears of more than 8 weeks, then you can issue the Section 8 notice to tenants and tell them to vacate the property by paying their rent in arrears. If they fail, you will apply to court for the possession of the property and order the rent arrears to be paid. It is important to ensure the notice is correctly drafted and served to avoid delays in the legal process.
- If the tenants still do not vacate the property on its set date according to court orders, you can apply for bailiffs. Once approved, the court bailiffs will visit the premises and force the tenants to move out with their belongings. The landlord can change the locks to secure the property and prevent unauthorised re-entry.
This process may take up to 6 months, depending upon the availability of the courts and bailiffs. During this period, it’s crucial to maintain proper documentation and communication records to support your case.
At Cribs Estates, we offer expert guidance through this process, ensuring all legal steps are correctly followed and minimising stress for landlords.
Next, landlords can only wait until they expect the tenant to move out at least two months later. After this date, the landlord will have 4-6 months, depending on the type of tenancy agreement, to legally repossess the property while the Section 21 notice is still valid.
If the tenants fail to leave the property at the end of the notice period, the landlord must take the next legal step by applying to the court for possession. The court will then review the case and, if the landlord’s claim is justified, issue an order requiring the tenants to vacate the premises.
If the tenants refuse to follow the court's instructions and leave, the landlord must hire court bailiffs. The bailiffs will visit the property, enforce the eviction, and ensure the tenants vacate with their belongings. At this point, the landlord can also change the locks to secure the property.
It’s important to note that the new Labour Government in 2024 is considering abolishing Section 21, which could provide tenants with greater security and make the eviction process more complex for landlords.