What are landlords responsible for..
A landlord checklist can be quite hard to keep track of, especially if you are managing multiple properties. Landlords have various compliance and safety obligations to ensure they meet legal requirements and provide safe, habitable rental properties. Carrick Johnson Lettings &Property Management and will take the pressure off and complete the landlord checklist for you. Give our team a call on 01626 335090.
Landlord rental checklist:
Some key areas to include in your landlord checklist of compliance include:
Deposit Protection:
Landlords or their agent must register the tenant’s deposit within 30 days in a government-approved scheme and provide proof to the tenant. It is always important that you also make sure you serve the tenants in the correct format. All of the current schemes have a format that needs to be served. However, we often find that other letting agents as well as landlords don’t give them the terms and conditions of the scheme. It is so important that the correct documents are served on the tenants but they also acknowledge them. If you ever have the unfortunate situation where you have to go to court to evict a tenant this is taken into account. Sometimes, landlords can have cases thrown out if the correct paperwork is not done.
Gas Safety:
Gas safety checks are crucially important for properties equipped with gas appliances. Consequently, landlords are legally obligated to conduct these checks and retain certificates for a period of six years. Furthermore, tenants must receive a copy of this certificate, which they are required to acknowledge within 30 days of receipt. It is essential to note that landlords must verify that tenants have actually acknowledged the certificate, rather than simply providing a copy. If the tenant is onsite and signs it, that would be an acknowledgement. This is critical when dealing with any court cases.
How often should landlords do a gas safety check?
Landlords are legally required to conduct a gas safety check on their properties at least once every 12 months. This annual inspection must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
Do you have a potential rental property that you would like a free property valuation on? Call our team on 01626 335090
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
An EPC is required for all rental properties, with a minimum rating of E. The change of Government has meant that there is a high likelihood that energy performance ratings will now need to be to C by 2030 which was always the rule but the last Government relaxed these. You will find there will be a lot of compliance coming through in the next months being tightened up by the new Government but it is important you are kept up to date.
Electrical Safety (EICR):
An electrical installation condition report (often known as an EICR) a report that evaluates electrical systems in a building to ensure they are safe and reliable. The report can only be created by a qualified electrician or electrical engineer who physically inspects the wiring, fuses, switches and sockets for damage, deterioration or signs of overheating. They are a minimum requirement for landlords and must be done every 5 years. In the event that there are any recommendations for improvement these must be carried out within 30 days.
How often should a landlord do an electrical safety check?
Electrical installations should be inspected at least every 5 years. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the report. This report must not only be served on the tenant but acknowledged again. We find most landlords don’t understand that the tenant has to acknowledge it.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
Functional alarms must be installed on every floor and near any fuel-burning appliance. The rules in relation to this changed in January 2023. A lot of landlords and letting agents especially in Brighton aren’t aware that if you have a stair case you have to have a smoke detector at the bottom of the stair case where the main front door is as well as one at the top. If you are in a flat you may also need a fire risk assessment and would need to speak to your managing agents.
Additional Considerations:
Right to Rent:
Landlords must check the immigration status of adult tenants. This has been in consideration for some considerable time. If you have to go to the court you would need to prove the tenant has a right to rent. It is absolutely critical that you have either met them or have the right checks.
Data Protection:
Personal data of tenants and guarantors must be handled in compliance with GDPR regulations.
Tenant Fees Act:
Restrictions apply to fees landlords or agents can charge tenants.
Disrepair:
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in good repair and addressing any issues raised by tenants. This fundamental duty is a cornerstone of the landlord-tenant relationship. However, the landscape is shifting as new rules and regulations are being introduced to address various concerns. These include but are not limited to:
- Damp and mould growth
- Excess cold
- Excess heat
- Asbestos and MMF
- Bedroom size
- Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
- Lead
- Radiation
- Crowding and space
- Lighting and noise
It is so important that as a landlord you are aware of this.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive landlord checklist, and landlord responsibilities can change over time.
In conclusion, consulting with a reputable letting agent such as Carrick Johnson Letting and Property Management, can help ensure full compliance.
