Renting out an empty home

A number of options are available:

Through a letting agent

There are a number of private letting agents who provide services in Conwy, and are generally able to advise on market rents, property standards, finding and assessing potential tenants, drafting tenancy agreements and property management. As with all organisations, letting agents operate to different standards, so please ensure you make appropriate enquiries to satisfy yourself of what they will offer before you enter into an agreement with them. Most reputable accommodation providers are registered with one or more of the following:

National Approved Letting Scheme

Association of Residential Letting Agencies, National Association of Estate Agents, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors – who also have a guide on letting a property and choosing an agent

Letting through a Housing Association

Some Housing Associations are interested in letting and managing privately owned property. For more information, please contact the Empty Homes officer.

Through the Local Authority and its partners

For more information visit the HAWS website.

Letting it yourself

Some owners choose to let and manage the property themselves. The law stipulates that there are certain rights and obligations associated with being a landlord, and you should be aware of these when letting property.

The Landlord Handbook, produced by ANUK and LACORS is an essential read for all landlords and potential landlords, and can be downloaded free.

In Wales, the national Landlord Accreditation Scheme provides existing and prospective landlords with access to training and information. Landlords must attend a landlord development session and sign a ‘code of conduct’ in order to become accredited.

Further information on becoming a landlord, and many of the  obligations and regulations you need to be familiar with, can be found on the following links:

• Government Department for Communities and Local Government
• Residential Landlords’ Association
• Landlord Zone
• Electrical Safety Council - A Landlords Guide to Electrical Safety
• Health & Safety Executive
• Gas safety FAQs for Landlords and Letting Agents - A guide to landlords duties

Before letting a property

If you have a mortgage on your property, you are likely to require the consent of your lender before making it available to rent to someone else.

You may also need to obtain consent from (or at least to consult with):

• Your freeholder - if you are thinking of letting out a leasehold flat
• The Council’s Planning Department – if you are intending to make structural changes to the property, or change its use
• The Council’s Housing and Environmental Enforcement section – who will advise on the standard a property must meet in order to be let
• The Council Tax department
• Your property insurance company
• Your tax office, accountant or financial adviser
  
  

For more information about empty homes and bringing them back into use, please contact the Housing Strategy Team at housingstrategy@conwy.gov.uk

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