Running a tenancy for my expatriate Father?

Hello, my father is 90, lives abroad and is an accidental landlord, the property being my late Mum’s parents’ place originally. I run a handful of flats of my own in the same town, so it makes sense for me to manage my Dad’s property.

The rent goes to him, I act as landlord in all respects, including signing documents on his behalf. For the tenancy, my Dad’s phone number and email are mine, of course, and his address is c/o mine.

1) I’d be interested to know how close to the wind we’re sailing with this unofficial agent arrangement.
2) I’m wondering whether I will be able to add my Dad’s property when the Landlord registration scheme kicks in. He would have trouble dealing with it.

Any observations would be appreciated!

Many thanks,

Gunga Din

Editor’s note: Assuming England, your father remains the landlord. Put your authority in writing and identify yourself clearly as his agent. Private Renters in Camden For the forthcoming landlord database, agents can supply some details, but landlords must normally initiate registration themselves; a suitable power of attorney provides a separate route to register on his behalf. GOV.UK Also check HMRC’s Non-resident Landlord Scheme, as tax-deduction obligations can fall on the agent or tenant unless HMRC authorises rent payments without deductions. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/paying-tax-on-rent-to-landlords-abroad