FAQs For Home Leasing
“Precisely how long should an AST last?”
You will need to agree how long your AST will last with your tenant, either for a set time period (or ‘fixed term’ as it is commonly known), otherwise you can agree to leave it open ended.
“How can I get my home back?”
An AST can be concluded at any point following the preliminary 6 month period, assuming that any fixed term you originally agreed to has ended. You have to provide your renter no less than two months’ notice in writing, to let them know you want your property back and also to give them time to make arrangements to vacate. For those who have grounds to do so, you can also conclude the tenancy at any time. These grounds might consist of anti-social behaviour by the tenant or even damage caused to your home, as well as the rent arrears as mentioned above.
“What if the renter declines to leave?”
The majority of renters leave when requested to, but when they do not then you cannot evict them yourself. You would need to apply through the County Court, even though in some cases you can use an accelerated possession procedure which does not involve attendance at a court hearing.
“Why not just leave my home empty?”
A house left vacant for no actual reason can lead to losing significant amounts of potential income, plus a property costs money whether it is occupied or not. Council tax and unoccupied house insurance are necessary costs, plus you will need to invest in measures to prevent dilapidation and take additional security precautions. In addition, you run the risk of vandalism, squatting, neighbourhood complaints as well as an elevated risk of accidental fire or arson occurring.
“What are my obligations and what will my renters be liable for?”
You will be in charge of performing repairs and maintaining the property’s baths, heating, hot water, basins as well as other sanitary installations. You will also need to ensure that the gas and electrical devices supplied are safe to use and that all furnishing/furniture you supply are fire safe. Your renter is responsible for paying rent at the rate you agreed upon, generally paying for council tax and utilities unless you include these in the rent contract. They are also accountable for taking good care of your house.
“Do I need to have home insurance?”
What type of insurance coverage you need will depend on the use your property is being put to. If it is unoccupied you will require adequate unoccupied home insurance, but if you are letting it out you will need landlords insurance coverage. In either of these instances, you could have difficulties obtaining cover from a standard insurance company. With specialist insurers you can obtain a fast and competitive online quote for both landlords insurance and insurance unoccupied housein accordance to your needs. Numerous standard insurers will refuse to provide you with a quote if your home is going to be empty for a duration of lasting longer than 30 days at a time, but with a specialist you can insure your unoccupied house regardless of how long it is unoccupied for.
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