Managing Tenants

Articles about finding tenants, managing relationships, and handling common rental situations. Topics include tenant screening, agreements, rights and responsibilities, benefits issues, and ending tenancies properly.

Can a Tenant Run a Business from My Property?

When tenants can legally run a business from your rental property and what you need to know as a landlord.

Creating a Tenancy Agreement

Get a standard tenancy agreement form, check it's current, and set an initial term that protects you both legally.

Ending a Tenancy

As a landlord, you'll need to serve the right notice to end a tenancy, and what counts depends on the type of agreement you have.

Getting Properties Ready to Let

Make sure your rental property meets legal requirements, safety standards, and appeals to tenants before letting it out.

How Do You Evict a Lodger Who Doesn't Want to Leave?

Get a lodger out legally if they won't leave by giving proper notice and understanding your rights as a homeowner.

How to Work with Tenants on Benefits

Private landlords increasingly rent to benefit claimants, but face real risks around payment delays and property damage.

Letting a Property to Students: What to Look for

Check what students actually want in a rental property and understand the financial reality of letting to multiple tenants.

Managing Problem Tenants

Address tenant problems early by documenting issues in writing and understanding your legal options before taking action.

Pre-Tenancy Checklists

Get your property and paperwork sorted before handing over the keys to new tenants, including reference checks and upfront payments.

Property with an Existing Tenant: What Are My Obligations?

When you buy a rental property with existing tenants, understand your legal obligations and what type of tenancy agreement you're inheriting.

Tenant References and Checks

Check your tenant's employment, credit history and references before signing a lease to protect your property from problem renters.

Tenants and Gardens: Who Is Responsible for Maintenance?

Garden upkeep is usually the tenant's job, but what counts as reasonable maintenance depends on your tenancy agreement and local rules.

Tenants from Hell: What Could Go Wrong?

Renting out property can go seriously wrong, from non-paying tenants to property damage and worst-case scenarios you'd never expect.

Who Are You Letting Your Property To?

Checking tenant backgrounds matters because letting the wrong people rent your property could mean drug operations or criminal activity using your home.

Your Rights as a Landlord

Landlords have legal rights too, including collecting rent and accessing your property when needed.

Your Tenants' Legal Rights

Respect your tenants' legal rights to avoid harassment charges and keep your rental property occupied.

Your Tenants' Responsibilities

Know what your tenants are legally required to do, from paying rent on time to covering council tax and utilities.