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New landlords 'ignorant of legal requirements'

A new study has found that half of 'accidental' landlords are not aware of the legislation related to renting out a property.

Research conducted by the Deposit Protection Service, which surveyed more than 1,000 property owners who are renting after choosing not to sell due to the housing slump, indicates that 48 per cent did not check the laws beforehand.

Kevin Firth, director of The Deposit Protection Service, said becoming a landlord can be "a wise decision" for many people, but it important to be aware of legislative requirements – such as the need to conduct risk assessments.

He commented: "However it is vital that new landlords take time and appropriate advice to learn about their statutory obligations – of which there are many.

"A bit of research and careful planning will ensure that accidental landlords do not get themselves into trouble."

Earlier this month, the managing director of Let Insurance Services Michael Portman urged landlords not to take insurance risks on their properties.

Quantum Risk Management are leading Health and Safety Consultants

Posted on 22/06/2009

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