Legislation for Landlords:
As a landlord you must comply with the following legislation:
Gas Safety Under the Gas Safety Installation and use Regulations 1998
There is a legal requirement that all gas appliances are checked and certified every year by a Gas Safe Register engineer. A record of this must be kept and a copy provided to the tenant. If we are managing your property, this is something we can arrange for you.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England)
Regulations 2015 Since October 2015, Landlords must ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted on every floor of their property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. If you have a solid fuel appliance in any rooms, they’ll need to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in them. Landlords or agents will then have to ensure that the alarms work at the start of each new tenancy.
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulation 1993
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulation 1993, plus amendments, make it a criminal offence to let a property with upholstered items that do not comply with the safety regulations. The regulations apply to beds, mattresses, sofas, cushions and other soft furniture, these must carry a label showing fire resistance. Any non-compliant furniture must be removed from your property before letting.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
As a landlord you have a legal duty to ensure all electrical appliances are safe. Obtaining an Electrical Equipment Safety Certificate (EESC) is not currently a legal requirement. However, you will be legally liable if your tenant suffers injury or is put at risk because of faulty electrical goods or wiring so we recommend that all landlords obtain such certificates. A Portable Appliance Test (PAT) is suitable for most properties and is something we can arrange for you when managing your property.
Immigration Act
You must comply with the requirements of the Immigration Act. It is your responsibility to ensure that all tenants living in your property have a right to rent in the UK. We will undertake these checks as part of the referencing process.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
HMO Licensing
As a landlord you must comply with the HMO licensing in England under part 2 of the housing Act 2004 legislation. Your property may require an HMO license and while it is your responsibility to determine this and apply with the local council, we will be able to offer advice to you on this.
Additional and Selective Licensing
You may require an additional or selective license before you let your property and while it is your responsibility to determine this and apply with the local authority, we will be able to offer you advice on this.
HMO Planning Consent and Licensing
You may require planning consent to let your property as an HMO and it is your responsibility to determine this with the local council.
Control of Legionella
As a Landlord, you must comply with the health and Safety at work Regulations and Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations in relation to the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. It is therefore your responsibility to assess your property and follow the practical guidance given in The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (4th Edition) in order to manage and control any risks.
