Landlords

Every property rented out in the UK is required to have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) that details its energy performance. Landlords are legally required to commission an assessment of their rental property every 10 years.

From April 2020, the law requires that every rental property must have an energy efficiency rating of at least E. This will apply to new tenancies as well as existing tenancies. Meaning any property with a rating of F or G will be deemed unfit for rental and appropriate measures will need to be taken to improve the energy rating to the minimum E rating.

A gas safety is primarily designed to inspect any gas appliances including boilers, cookers and fires to ensure they are working correctly and safely. A gas safety check must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. A gas safety check is required on all rented properties on a yearly basis.

An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal document that is produced following an assessment of the electrical installation within a property. It must be carried out by an experienced qualified electrician. An EICR is also recommended in all domestic homes every 5 years to check the condition of the electrical installation and ensure there is no deterioration, however there may be reasons why an EICR would need to be done more often.

Yes, the regulations require a smoke alarm to be installed on every storey of a property on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning appliance.

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.

It is always best to check if your property requires a HMO license. You can do this by contacting your local authority, we can also advise if the property requires a license.

As a landlord any deposit a tenant pays must be put into a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme if rented out on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007. In England and Wales the deposit can be registered with:

The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) – this is who we use

My Deposits

Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

If we manage your property for you, the deposit registration is covered.

A thorough landlords’ policy can include a number of useful features, such as buildings insurance and accidental damage cover. Landlords’ insurance isn’t compulsory, but it is highly recommended.