Legislation may escape accidental landlords

Posted: 09 Apr 2009 12:55:35 GMT

Homeowners may face fines for letting out their property if it is found that they are not complying with the slew of regulations involved in such a decision.

The issue has been raised by mortgage company Paragon, which pointed to the phenomenon of the accidental landlord.

Landlords letting out their property because they cannot sell them are at risk of ignorance regarding the number of regulations involved with doing so.

Gas and electricity, fire safety, Energy Performance Certificates and tenancy deposit protection are all areas highlighted by Paragon as those which many accidental landlords may fall foul.

John Heron, managing director at Paragon, argued: "The only solution is for landlords - accidental or experienced - to ensure they have a thorough understanding of relevant regulations.

"Getting help with this is not difficult. It would make sense to join the National Landlords Association, which provides a wealth of information and advice to their members.

Selling a home online could also speed up the process, as doing so may offer the chance to cut the costs of an expensive estate agent, therefore potentially making a property more attractive.


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