Gas Safety
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998: You must ensure that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues are safe and properly maintained. An annual Gas Safety Check by a registered Gas Safe engineer is mandatory, and you must provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020: Landlords must ensure electrical installations in the property are safe. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be conducted every five years, and tenants must receive a copy of the report.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You are required to provide an EPC to potential tenants when advertising your property. The property must have a minimum EPC rating of E.
Fire Safety
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: Landlords must install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. These alarms must be tested at the start of each new tenancy.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988: All furniture and furnishings provided must meet fire safety standards.
Legionella Risk Assessment
Landlords are required to carry out a risk assessment for Legionella bacteria to ensure the water supply is safe.
Right to Rent Checks
Under the Immigration Act 2014, landlords must check that tenants have the legal right to rent a residential property in England. This involves checking original documents in the presence of the tenant and keeping copies for your records.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
If you take a deposit from a tenant, it must be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme within 30 days of receipt. You must also provide the tenant with prescribed information about the deposit protection.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing
If you rent out a property to three or more tenants forming more than one household, it may be classified as an HMO. HMOs are subject to specific regulations and may require a license from the local council.
Landlord Licensing
Some local councils require landlords to obtain a license to let out their properties. This can include selective licensing, additional licensing for HMOs, and mandatory licensing for larger HMOs.
Health and Safety Standards
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): Ensures properties are free from hazards that could affect tenants' health and safety. Local councils can inspect properties and require improvements if necessary.
Repairs and Maintenance
Landlords are responsible for most major repairs in a property, including the structure and exterior, heating and hot water systems, basins, sinks, baths, and other sanitary installations.
Provision of Documentation
Landlords must provide tenants with certain documents at the start of the tenancy, including:
How to Rent Guide: A government-issued guide that helps tenants understand their rights and responsibilities.
Gas Safety Certificate: As mentioned earlier, this must be provided annually.
EPC: As mentioned earlier, this must be given to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
By adhering to these compliance matters, landlords can ensure they meet their legal obligations and provide a safe, legally compliant living environment for their tenants. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in substantial fines, legal action, and difficulties in regaining possession of the property.
By adhering to these compliance matters, landlords can ensure they meet their legal obligations and provide a safe, legally compliant living environment for their tenants. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in substantial fines, legal action, and difficulties in regaining possession of the property.
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