If you own a council property and want to rent it out, here is what you need to know.
You are renting out your property when you have a rental agreement with someone else, whether it is a tenant or managing agent. This includes short-term agreements with the council.
If you rent out your property or plan to do so, follow these rules to meet your lease requirements and insurance terms.
Renting rules
- fill out the letting your property form within 21 days of renting out your property
- follow all lease terms
- make sure your tenants do not disturb other residents
- pay all service charges and major works costs on time
- keep the inside of your property in good repair and condition
- meet all legal requirements
- notify us in writing if you change your address or contact details
When you rent out your property, we must inform your building insurers as this is required by your policy. If you do not tell us, insurance claims may be rejected.
Your insurance will cover lost rent if the property cannot be lived in because of insurance damage, but only if you have a proper tenancy agreement with your tenants. The policy does not cover malicious damage caused by the tenants. You may want to get a custom landlord policy for this.
We strongly advise having a formal tenancy agreement when renting your property.
Second home or occupied by relatives
Even if you do not rent out the property or live there yourself (such as when relatives live there or you use it as a second home), fill out the letting your property form form with your main address and contact details. This helps us contact you directly.
As the owner, you'll receive important documents like service charge bills and property notices.
We may also need to contact you for emergencies, like water leaks, burst pipes or fires.
Legal requirements
If you rent out your property, you must follow legal requirements. These include:
- getting gas safety checks
- getting electrical safety checks
- having energy performance certificates (EPCs)
- getting a property licence if your property is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)
- getting a selective property licence if your property is in a specific area within the borough
Find out more on gas safety, fire safety, HMO and private rented property licensing
You need an energy performance certificate (EPC) when renting out your property. This certificate, introduced in 2008, shows how energy-efficient your property is and lists ways to make it better.
You must give your tenants a free copy of the EPC.
For shared houses (HMOs), you only need one certificate for the whole property, but each tenant needs their own copy. You can find local accredited assessors on the EPC register
Prices differ between assessors, so compare quotes to get the best deal.
Your lease is a legal contract between you and Ealing Council. As the leaseholder, you must:
- make sure everyone living in the property follows the rules
- keep the property in good condition
- pay all service charges and major works costs
Even if you rent out your property, you are still responsible for these duties.
Breaking the lease terms could lead to legal action against you.