Have you got the new 2023 landlord compliance checklist that every landlord needs to know?
Ready to let your property in 2023? Whether you are brand new to the landlord industry or you have been doing it for years, there are legal obligations you must comply with that get updated on an ongoing basis.
Failing to keep up-to-date with the latest legislation could lead to fines and also legal proceedings. Take a look at our checklist to ensure you are on top of your game.
Gas Safety Certificate – Your property requires an annual gas safety check to ensure that all gas appliances, pipe work and flues are safe and in working order. This safety check must be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer and a copy of the certificate must be kept by yourself, and also provided to your tenant.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – One of the most important certificates you need for your rental property is an Energy Performance Certificate. This certificate, which assesses the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of your property, must be readily available before the tenancy agreements are signed, while your property must have a minimum rating of E, which will be increasing to a minimum rating of C by the end of 2024.. Without one, you simply won’t be able to market and let out your property.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms – Landlord smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations dictate what all single-let and unlicensed HMO residential landlords in England must abide by.
Tenancies that started on or after 1st October 2022 must have a smoke alarm installed on each floor of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.
A carbon monoxide alarm must also be equipped in any room which is used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers/hobs).
Of course landlords must ensure that all alarms are in working order on the day the tenancy begins, while they must also be repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty, which must be carried out by or on behalf of the landlord as soon as is “reasonably practicable.”
HMO licence – Preston City Council states that if you are looking to let out a house, bungalow, flat or any kind of accommodation which is let to more than four unrelated occupiers, who form two or more households and who share a basic amenity, you must obtain a House in Multiple Occupation licence.
Tenant Deposit Scheme – It is a legal requirement to put your tenants deposit into a Government approved tenancy deposit scheme. This must happen within 30 days of it being paid and information must then be passed to your tenants about the deposit and where it has been secured.
Furniture and Furnishings – If you are letting out a furnished or even part-furnished property, all of that furniture must be fire resistant. Whether it is beds, sofas or cushions, they must all abide by the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988.
Electrical Safety Standards – To abide by regulations, landlords must ensure that fixed electrical installations such as wiring, sockets and light fittings etc are tested by a qualified electrician at least every five years. The findings from this will be included in an Electrical Installation Condition Report. A copy of this report must be provided for a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
Legionnaires disease – Health and safety regulations state that risk assessments for Legionella bacteria must be carried out.
Right to rent check – As a landlord you can only let your property to a tenant who has the legal right to live in the UK. This process includes checking for proof of ID and citizenship to make sure of a potential tenants legal right to rent in the UK.
As you have just discovered, there are a large number of items and factors that need to be considered and complied with when letting out a property. With others to add to those, here at Guildhall Sales and Lettings we can ensure all that legislation and criteria is met for your property with our range of landlor packages.
With our Premium, Elite and Ultimate landlord packages we can ensure that every piece of legislation is met and no stone will be left unturned in letting out your property. You can learn more about our different packages on our website: https://guildhalllettings.co.uk/landlords/
Also offering a free review to landlords, it is important to consider whether you are charging enough for your property. Let us help you be compliant and earn a better return in 2023.
Get in touch with our friendly team today by emailing info@guildhalllettings.co.uk or calling us on 01772 76 99 99.
