Tenants Responsibilities: Utility bills, Insurance etc.

I have a house which I am about to let for 1/ 2 years . I have verbally agreed the rental sum and was wondering is it normal for the tenant to pay all the utility bills in full even though there currently still in my name as its a new house.I had the house insured whilst still under construction but whose responsibilty will be it be once the tenants move in .

Re: Tenants Responsibilities.

The building insurance is your responsibility - it's your property. If you are letting furnished, you must also have contents insurance. The tenant is responsible for the insurance of their own personal items.

You should also make sure your insurer is aware that the property is to be let and put Landlord's Liability Insurance in place.

On the day that the tenant moves in, read all utility meters and transfer them into the tenant's name. If you don't and they don't pay the bills, you will be laible for them.

Make sure you register with the PRTB as it's the law and if you have any problems with your tenant down the line, they will assist you.

Also make sure you get your tenant to pay the appropriate deposit and sign a lease. In case you don't already have one, there's one [broken link removed] which complies with the 2004 Residential Tenancies Act. Read the Act and be aware of your responsiblilities as a landlord and equally of your tenant's responsibilities.

There's some good information in the FAQ's and Key Posts on this forum - in particular regarding your responsibility in terms of tax etc.

Re: Tenants Responsibilities.

Sound advice Delgirl! Follow the above and you won't go to far wrong.

Re: Tenants Responsibilities.

For your sake put all household bills in their name ie esb, gas phone

Re: Tenants Responsibilities.

Thanks to all that replied I had a fair idea that was the case anyway but it was helpful to get other peoples views Again many thanks