A fantastic strategy to make passive income is to own a property to rent out. Yet you must adhere to a number of legal requirements as a landlord. Making sure your house is suitable for habitation by tenants is one of the most crucial ones. But what does “uninhabitable property” actually mean?
A property that cannot support human occupancy is considered uninhabitable. It is a building where occupants’ health and safety are seriously at risk. A variety of dangers, including structural flaws, moisture, insufficient heating or ventilation, and electrical or gas safety issues, might be present in such premises. The idea is that if a house is judged uninhabitable, it cannot be rented out until the problems are fixed. The list could go on.
How about electrical safety, though? In 2021, would landlords be required to perform PAT tests? The short answer is no, landlords are not required by law to do PAT testing. However, it is advised that landlords frequently examine and test any electrical items to make sure they are suitable for usage. This is crucial for homes that have several tenants renting them out. It’s important not to take an electrical appliance’s malfunction lightly because it could result in severe harm or even death.
And lastly, how long must a person reside in a home before renting it out in the UK? This query has a little more complex solution. Before renting out the property, you must get the approval of your mortgage lender if you have a home mortgage on it. Generally speaking, before you can rent out a property, the majority of lenders demand that you have lived there for at least six months. If you have a buy-to-let mortgage, though, you can start renting out the house straight away.
In conclusion, it is your duty as a landlord to make sure that your property is safe and suitable for habitation by tenants. You won’t be allowed to rent out your property if it is determined to be uninhabitable until the problems are fixed. It is a good idea to have all electrical equipment checked and tested on a regular basis even though PAT testing is not legally required. Additionally, be sure to get the necessary approval from your mortgage lender before renting out a house that you already own.