Advice for landlords

There are around 5,000 privately rented homes in Rushcliffe, which are an essential part of the local housing market. We help landlords in a variety of ways to keep them informed of legal requirements and provide information to help them avoid problems before they arise.

Legally required property standards

Sometimes we have to inspect rented properties, and sometimes we are requested to by the landlord or the tenant. When we inspect properties, we use the Housing health and rating system(HHSRS). This system replaced the old “fitness standard” in 2005. We may find a Category 1 hazard, which means there is likely to be a serious risk to health and safety within one year. Where we become aware of a Category 1 hazard, we must take action. Where there is a Category 2 hazard, we have more discretion, and the action we take will depend on the risk, who lives there and potential effect on visitors or the local area. We will always consult the landlord before taking action, unless there is an imminent danger or we cannot contact the landlord.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by members of more than one household who share amenities and facilities. This includes houses converted into bedsits, flats, shared houses, and those in which students live. You must have a license from the Council to let an HMO. You can find full details and check whether you need a license on our HMO licensing page.

Tenant and eviction issues

Housing law can be complex, so it is always best to research the area thoroughly before you decide to rent your property out. The Government has published “Top Tips” on assured shorthold tenancies, which are a good starting point. If you are having problems with a tenant, it is always best to seek independent advice. Many problems can be resolved through communication and mediation, which will not leave you with an empty property that you then have to re-let.

If you want to bring the tenancy to an end, you need to serve the correct notice and follow the correct legal procedures to avoid carrying out an illegal eviction. The Government has published a fact sheet on this issue but, if you do not fully understand the law, it is vital that you seek independent legal advice. Please note, the Council’s Housing Options team acts on behalf of tenants to prevent homelessness, so is not able to provide legal advice to landlords.

Improving the energy efficiency of your home

Landlords must provide their tenant with an Energy Performance Certificate for the property they are letting. Energy efficient homes are also more likely to be let easily and have happier and more satisfied tenants as well as having a lower impact on the environment. Tax relief can be claimed on energy efficiency works up to £1,500.

If you want to find out more about what you can do to improve energy efficiency and, what grants, discounts and rebates are available, see our Energy Efficiency pages.

Property security

Rented homes are statistically more likely to be subject to burglary than owner-occupied ones, particularly if their owner appears to have invested less in security than neighbouring properties. You can find information about how to keep your property and your tenants safe on our Community Safety Partnership’s website.

Unipol Student accreditation scheme

If you are a student landlord in the Greater Nottingham area you may be interested in joining the Unipol scheme so that your properties can be advertised free of charge by various educational establishments operating in the area. For more information, visit the Unipol website. The scheme is designed to enable landlords to:

Have a clearly defined set of standards to meet
Recognise those landlords whose properties meet the required standards
Give confidence to occupiers of properties knowing that basic standards of fire safety and welfare have been achieved.

The scheme is entirely voluntary but those landlords who choose to participate will receive a certificate of accreditation and continue to have their properties advertised by the participating universities and colleges. Over 1,000 properties have been accredited in the Greater Nottingham area so far.

For details of how to join the scheme or for further information, please contact our Environmental Health Team on 0115 914 8322 or email environmentalhealth@rushcliffe.gov.uk.

Greater Nottingham Electronic Landlords' Forum

The Greater Nottingham Landlords’ Forum produce an electronic newsletters every two months, giving up-to-date information and news on a range of topics that will be of interest and use to all landlords.

If you would like to receive a regular copy of the electronic newsletter (or join the landlords forum) you can subscribe at Notts Landlord newsletter.

The newsletter is produced in partnership between East Midlands Decent & Safe Homes, the National Landlords' Association, East Midlands Property Owners Ltd (EMPO), Nottingham City Council and Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Borough Councils.