By Steff Summers, Lettings Manager at Watsons Property
What you need to know if you’ve become an accidental landlord
Introduction:
For many people, becoming a landlord is a strategically planned investment. But for others, it can happen almost by accident. Known as “accidental landlords”, this group often find themselves navigating the world of lettings unexpectedly – and with it, comes a new learning curve.
Whether you’ve inherited a property from a family member, need to relocate for work temporarily, or are struggling to sell your home, stepping into the role of landlord can feel daunting. At Watsons, our property management team are here to ensure it doesn’t have to be. By working with our well-versed property managers and lettings specialists, you’ll gain access to the latest legal knowledge, professional lettings service, and expert guidance. Backed by decades of experience, we support accidental landlords turn an unexpected situation into a successful one.
In this article, we share everything you need to know about beginning your journey as a landlord, and the support available to help you succeed with ease.
What is an ‘accidental landlord’?
An accidental landlord is someone who didn’t set out to rent out property but ends up doing so due to unexpected life circumstances. Unlike professional landlords who purchase properties specifically to let, accidental landlords often fall into this role unexpectedly.
An accidental landlord may initially lack experience in lettings but carry the same responsibilities and obligations as any other landlord, meaning it’s essential to get the right support from the start to succeed smoothly.
Common scenarios for becoming an accidental landlord
People become accidental landlords for a number of reasons, leading them to rent out a property unexpectedly. Some of the most common can include:
- Relocation: you may need to move for work or family, and don’t want to sell your home straight away, or plan to return to it in the future.
- Inheritance: often, inheriting a property means deciding whether to sell it or keep and rent it out.
- Unable to sell: if demand is low in your area or purchase offers aren’t meeting expectations, renting your home can provide an income stream while you wait or buy your next property.
- Moving in with a partner: one property may become “spare” and suitable to rent, rather than selling.
Each of these scenarios comes with different challenges, but also new lifestyle opportunities and financial benefits. By collaborating with our property specialists, offering packages from tenant sourcing to full management, becoming a landlord can be both rewarding and financially beneficial.
What are your options as an accidental landlord?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how you want to let your property. It’s also important to understand your landlord responsibilities and how to approach these decisions. Becoming a landlord can be stressful but by working with a lettings agent, like Watsons, you can choose how involved you would like to be and what you would like professional support with. Our packages begin with the essentials (finding tenants, handling safety checks, deposits, and utilities) to full management of your property and tenancies.
Your responsibilities as an accidental landlord
When you begin renting out a property, or multiple properties, you take on specific legal obligations and responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to:
- Deposit protection: tenant deposits must be placed in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) to guarantee fair handling at the end of the tenancy.
- Right to Rent checks: tenants’ legal right to rent in the UK must be verified using approved documents.
- Property safety: rented homes must be well-maintained and safe for tenants to live in, with gas and electrical checks regularly completed, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted where required, and compliancy with fire safety standards ensured.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): a valid EPC (rated E or above) must be provided to tenants.
- Licensing: depending on property type and location, landlord licensing may be required. You can check your local council’s website and enter your postcode to see if your property falls under a mandatory, additional, or selective licensing scheme.
- Liability & insurance: landlords owe tenants and visitors a duty of care, making landlord insurance with liability cover strongly recommended.
While this list of responsibilities may feel overwhelming, our team can help take care of each step for you, from deposit protection and safety tests to the latest legal advice. Our lettings packages are carefully created to remove the stress from you, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of letting your property freely.
Is it time to get some help managing your property?
At Watsons, we understand that every landlord’s needs are different, especially if you’re new to the role. Our lettings packages combine expert local knowledge with tailored solutions and personalised support, allowing you to be successful in your property adventures.
Our two core lettings packages are:
- Find A Tenant Only: for landlords who want to stay actively involved in managing their property but need professional help with marketing, finding reliable tenants, and carrying out essential checks. It begins with rental valuation and presentation advice, through to organising move in, collecting the first month’s rent and deposit, and informing utilities.
- Fully Managed Service: ideal for accidental landlords who would prefer a stress-free experience, our fully managed service covers everything from rental valuation, marketing, tenant sourcing and referencing, to tenancy agreements, deposit protection, and rent collection. We handle safety checks, inventories, inspections, repairs, utility notifications, and provide 24/7 tenant support. With ongoing legal compliance, dedicated advice, and RICS Client Money Protection Scheme, you can rely on us to manage your property with complete peace of mind.
We also offer tailor-made packages, depending on your individual requirements and property needs. To find out more, visit: https://www.watsons-property.co.uk/lettings/
Contact Our Team
Our property management specialists are here to enhance and protect your property investments. Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Lettings Team
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
📞Phone: 01603 751555
✉️ Email: letting@watsons-property.co.uk
