Planning a portfolio of property to let is a big step. Funding has to be carefully thought out, as does management of the portfolio, whether large or small. The initial purchase plus associated mortgage, needs to be handled properly, but sometimes it is only after completion that a landlord becomes aware of the extent of the responsibility they have assumed.

Firstly, the terms of a lease and the management of the property must be resolved. Secondly, landlords have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for tenants, employees and visitors to the property they own, and if they fail to do so, they can be sued or prosecuted in the criminal courts. Planning consent may be required if the property is to be used for multiple occupation, and you may need to consider disabled access.

What happens next