In Birmingham, there were over 434,000 homes in 2017. If you're lucky enough to own one (or a few), then you might be taking the next step and have become a landlord.

However, it can be difficult managing your property and tenants. And this is why Home Path is here to help!



In this article, we'll give you 5 things you should know as a landlord in Birmingham.

1. Make Sure Your Property Is Compliant

As a landlord, you have a duty to make sure your property is safe for your tenants. Not only should it be sufficiently protected against fire and gas, but things like the furniture and electrical wiring must be safe as well.



If your property is an HMO, then you must be licensed by the Birmingham City Council. This means they'll come out for an inspection before giving you your license.

2. Have a Thorough Tenancy Agreement

A thorough tenancy agreement will protect you from any potential actions a tenant might take against you. So make sure you cover all your bases in this document, such as the type and length of tenancy, as well as the monthly rent payment (and when it's due).

You should also include things like who's responsible for repairs and how tenants should go about ending their contract.



Whilst you can rent a property out to a tenant through a verbal agreement, we highly recommend you don't do this. Having everything in writing will be much more secure for you. Plus, if tenants are claiming benefits, they need a valid contract.

3. Be Firm About Problematic Tenants

If you're a landlord of an HMO, you might receive complaints about nuisance tenants. You must be proactive and firm about taking action, or else you risk losing your good tenants.



If needed, you can call the Birmingham Antisocial Behaviour Helpline for help. You can also turn to the city council for assistance should a tenant on benefits falls into arrears of more than 8 weeks.

4. Stay on Top of Repairs and Maintenance

In general, landlords are responsible for repairs for things like water tanks, boilers, and radiators. You're also responsible for repairs to the property's structure and outer bits.



Do note that if you don't take care of both repairs and maintenance, tenants can ask the city council to take action and even take you to court. To avoid being sued for injury or damages, make sure you keep a clear line of communication with your tenants.

5. Be Aware of New Laws Dealing With COVID-19

Because the pandemic has significantly changed many people's lives, some laws have been introduced to protect tenants even further.

For example, from 29 August 2020 onward, the government has deemed that landlords must give tenants 6 months' notice for eviction. This applies until 31 March 2021.



Make sure you look up all the pandemic-specific rules and regulations so you're not caught out.

Count on Home Path to Help You Out

With the above tips, being a landlord in Birmingham should be much easier to do. When you're more aware of what you need to do as the property owner, both you and your tenants will have a more pleasant experience.



Would you like more assistance with your property? Then get in touch with Home Path now. We'll help you minimise risk and maximise on your returns.