Landlords - Hints and Tips

There are a number of things which landlords need to be aware of when renting properties out these include.

 

  • EPC regulations for rented property in the UK:

    Currently, the minimum required EPC rating is E.

    • By 2030, landlords will need to ensure their properties achieve at least an EPC rating of C.
    • New tenancies must comply with these standards since April 2018, and existing tenancies since April 2020.
    • In 2025, the minimum required EPC rating will increase to a "C" grade before letting to tenants.
  • Gas Safety (Installation and Use) 1998

    All gas appliances at a rented property, including portable appliances such as LPG heaters, must be tested prior to the start of any tenancy and then annually by a Gas Safe registered plumber who will provide you with a certificate. We will need to have a copy given to us and to the tenant before we can start any tenancy.
  • Electrical responsibilities for Landlords:

    https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/landlords/

  • The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988

    The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) are UK law and are designed to ensure that upholstery components and composites used for furniture supplied in the UK meet specified ignition resistance levels and are suitable labelled. There are six main elements contained within the Regulations:

     

    1. Filling materials must meet specified ignition requirements
    2. Upholstery composites must be cigarette resistant
    3. Covers must be match resistant (with certain exceptions as outlined in Section 8.2 and Appendix A5)
    4. A permanent label must be fitted to every item of new furniture (with the exception of mattresses
      and bed-bases)
    5. A display label must be fitted to every item of new furniture at the point of sale (with the exception of mattresses, bed-bases, pillows, scatter cushions, seat pads, loose covers sold separately from the furniture and stretch covers)
    6. The first supplier of domestic upholstered furniture in the UK must maintain records for five years to prove compliance. The requirements regarding testing and labelling of items are detailed in Schedules 1-7 of the Regulations. Schedules 1-5 provide detailed information regarding the testing requirements for foam and non-foam fillings, composites, interliners and covers. Schedules 6-7 provide detailed information regarding the display and permanent labelling of the final item.

     

  • Oil & Solid Fuel Appliances

    Again any oil or solid fuel appliances must be safe for the tenants use and therefore they need to be checked on annual basis by a suitably qualified or experienced engineer, with an appropriate certificate or service record issued.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 compliance:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords/the-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-england-regulations-2015-qa-booklet-for-the-private-rented-sector-landlords-and-tenants.

  • HMO (House In Multiple Occupation)

    The 1985 Housing Act definition of "House in Multiple Occupation" was a "house which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household". This is a very complex Act and the definition of a single household is measured on a number of criteria which the local authority will use to determine whether a house is an HMO or not. If you are unsure we would suggest contacting the local authority for clarification.

 

This document is not meant as an exhaustive guide to the legislation and if you are likely to be affected we strongly recommend you investigate the legislation further and do not rely on this information alone.
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