For many Indian landlords, owning a London property is an exciting prospect; however, looking after it from abroad can quickly become overwhelming. A large number of our clients choose to onboard Benham and Reeves’ full property management service to avoid the day-to-day complexities.

Whether you’d like expert support or plan to manage the process yourself, it’s crucial you stay aware of the legal, financial and practical steps involved. With this guide, we bring this information together in one place.

Permissions required
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Permissions required

Before letting your property, make sure the following things are in place:

  • Mortgage: Your lender must confirm that you’re allowed to let the property.
  • Leasehold: If your property is leasehold, the freeholder’s consent is required.
  • Insurance: Inform your insurance provider that the property will be let, so the correct cover is applied.
Tenancy types
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Tenancy types

Choosing an appropriate tenancy agreement protects your interests while letting the property.

  • The Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST): A standard contract for residential lets with annual rent below £100,000. Key terms covered under AST are duration, start date & responsibilities.
  • Non-Housing Act Tenancies: Include company lets and apply when rent exceeds £100,000 or when the tenant is a business.
  • For stays under six months, a short-term letting agreement is ideal.

If you decide to end a tenancy, as a landlord, you are required to hand over a written notice; Section 21 or a Notice to Quit (depending on the agreement).

Certifications
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Certifications

  • A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory. EPC rates your home’s energy efficiency and remains valid for ten years. Hand over a copy to the tenant.
  • In certain London boroughs, selective licensing is required. You may need to apply for a licence from the local council to comply with local housing standards and avoid significant penalties.
  • All landlords are required to carry out Right to Rent checks by verifying a tenant’s passport and visa.

If you are an overseas investor or are not well-versed in these processes, Benham & Reeves can arrange all paperwork and assist with verification.

Safety responsibilities
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Safety responsibilities

  • Gas safety checks are mandatory every year and must be carried out by a Gas Safe–registered engineer. You must also provide tenants with a valid Gas Safety Report before move-in and keep previous records handy.
  • An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is important for electrical safety. Landlords must ensure all appliances are safe and provide the EICR certificate, with a validity of five years at the start of a tenancy.
  • Smoke alarms are to be installed in all London homes. Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors where required.
  • All furniture and furnishings must meet fire-safety standards under the 1988 regulations.
Financial responsibilities
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Financial responsibilities

Benham & Reeves can manage rent collection for you, transfer funds to your account within three working days and give you access to online statements. We also take care of the tenant deposit (typically five weeks’ rent) and register it with an approved scheme.

Ensure your rental income is declared to HMRC. Each owner is to file separately and can claim deductions for mortgage interest, management fees, insurance, repairs and legal expenses.

Overseas landlords & letting fees
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Overseas landlords & letting fees

Landlords residing outside the UK fall under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme. This means that tax is deducted from your rental income unless HMRC gives written permission to receive it gross. It’s ideal to sort this formality before the tenancy begins.

Letting fees are applicable when a new tenancy is set up or an existing one is renewed.

Preparing the property for tenants
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Preparing the property for tenants

Before move-in, prepare a full inventory. This step is important if any deposit issue arises later.

If we are managing your property, we will arrange the key handover and introduce the tenant to their point of contact. Tenants normally pay for utilities and council tax unless agreed otherwise. We will also notify providers and record meter readings.

Property maintenance
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Property maintenance

A landlord should keep their property safe and in good condition. Benham & Reeves management reduces this workload by assigning one point of contact who will coordinate maintenance, utilities and service charges.

We only work with trusted contractors who are available round the clock for urgent repairs. Your manager carries out annual inspections and shares detailed reports with you, with recommendations.

End of tenancy
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End of tenancy

For fully managed properties, we arrange the final checkout. We will share the final report with the landlord in a few days and handle proposed deposit deductions. We also ensure the utilities and council tax are settled before releasing the deposit.

If you have opted for our tenant-find or rent-collection service, you will be looking after the checkout process and notifying the council and utility providers yourself.

Why Indian landlords choose Benham & Reeves
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Why Indian landlords choose Benham & Reeves

Managing a London property from overseas can be a demanding task. Particularly when you are dealing with corporate tenants. With over 65 years of experience, we understand how to meet landlord and tenant expectations. Our licensed team ensures your investment is in reliable hands. Working with Benham & Reeves means you have a dedicated manager who will take care of regular inspections, reliable maintenance support and smooth handling of check-ins and check-outs. Our agents will ensure your property is compliant and tenant-ready around the year.