I am thinking about letting my property for the first time. What type of obligations would I have towards my tenants as their landlord.

You will need a building Energy Rating ( BER ) certificate is compulsory for all houses and apartments being offered for letting from the 1st of January 2008.   More information is available in the regulation section.

As a landlord you must provide a written letting agreement or lease. All payments made to the landlord, must be recorded by written statement. You must, by law, ensure that your property complies with certain minimum standards - e.g. free from damp, in good structural repair, hot and cold water, adequate means of heating and ventilation, appliances in good working order, electrical wiring, gas, pipes in good repair. You are obliged to carry out repairs except where damage beyond normal wear and tear has been caused by the tenant.

Tenants are entitled to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their home. As a landlord you are allowed enter with your tenant’s permission. Should you need to carry out repairs or inspect the premises, it should be by prior arrangement with your tenant.

You must return promptly any deposit paid by the tenant. The deposit may be retained or deductions made where there are 1) rent arrears or 2) costs incurred to repair damage above normal wear and tear 3) cleaning costs 4) unpaid utility bills.

Any properties which are rented are required by law to be registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board within 28 days of letting. There are some exceptions including: holiday lets, where the landlord is a relative of the tenant; where the landlord is resident. For further information you can contact the Private Residential Tenancies Board. Landlords who fail to register are liable to prosecution. More information is in our regulations section.

Posted by Regina on 22/05/2010