When we think of historic houses, we often think of National Trust stately homes, but history is much more commonplace than that. We are blessed in the UK with a huge range of historic properties – from Georgian terraces through to Victorian cottages – and not all of these are owner-occupied.
If you own a historic home that you rent out, what are your responsibilities as a landlord? In this article we’ll look at how to juggle the legislation with preserving and protecting a building’s heritage. We’ll also look at what to do if you decide that renting out a home with history feels like too much hard work.
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Get to Know the Property
The most important first step is to understand your property and how it works. Some basic research into its history can tell you a lot, including when it was built and how. A knowledge of the building methods and materials can help you when it comes to repairs and maintenance. It’s always good to be sympathetic to the original building if possible.
You should also find out about any specific regulations that apply to your property. If it’s listed, there are detailed restrictions about what you can and cannot do. Even if it’s not, there may be limitations in place regarding decor and frontage.
Balance a Sympathetic Approach with Landlord Responsibilities
Even historians understand that caring for an old building as a landlord is about more than matching period wallpapers. There are ever-increasing legal requirements for landlords to make buildings safe to live in. This includes everything from the regular maintenance of gas and electrical appliances to ensuring the home is fitted with fire and carbon monoxide alarms.
There will also be a trade-off between being sympathetic to history and keeping a house low maintenance. You may decide for example to cover fireplaces or other period features. Done carefully, this can be a good way to protect original features while keeping the home serviceable.
When You Decide It’s Time to Sell
Having an old property in your portfolio isn’t always easy. There may come a time when you decide that you want to sell up or switch it out for something more modern. If this is the case, it’s important to check your legal position carefully first. Selling property with tenants in situ can be complicated, so make sure you’re clear on their rights and keep communication clear.
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Viewings can be trickier with tenants too. You’ll need to give plenty of notice and you won’t have the same control over presentation as if it were your own home. If you want to avoid viewings altogether, you might consider using a cash buying service. This can simplify the process hugely as you can choose your completion date and have a guaranteed sale. This can provide extra peace of mind for both you and your tenants.
Owning a home with history can be challenging, but taken care of properly, it can also be hugely rewarding. Not only does your property come with a story, but you get to play a part in helping it live on for future generations.