There are over 170 separate pieces of legislation that Landlords have to be compliant in? In this monthly blog series, we will cover some of the most important tasks that you need to complete to be within the law. It is vitally important that you serve the following documents at the correct time and also that they are renewed and do not lapse.
A signed and executed Tenancy Agreement
A copy must be provided to all Tenants named on the agreement. This ensures your Tenants are aware of the terms and conditions as well as their responsibilities during the tenancy, which will help minimise disputes and misunderstandings.
The How to Rent Guide
You are required by Law to provide this guide to your Tenant. It has been published by the UK Government and provides important information to Tenants on their rights and responsibilities as well as outlining the renting process. Not serving this document to your Tenant can cause serious consequences for Landlords including the inability to end a tenancy using a section 21 notice and they may be liable for fines or other penalties.
An Energy Performance Certificate
An EPC is a report that assesses the energy efficiency of a property rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient.) Currently, all rental properties must reach an EPC rating of E or above to be legally let. Providing the EPC to your Tenant so they are able to manage their energy usage and bills, as well as helping to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Failure to provide the EPC to the Tenant may leave a Landlord liable for a fine of up to £5,000.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report
As of the 1st April 2021, all rental properties are required to have a satisfactory EICR. This ensures awareness of the property meeting the electrical standards required, as well as showing them you have taken steps to ensure their safety. The fine for failing to provide a copy of the EICR is up to £30,000.
Landlords Gas Safety Certificate
The gas safety certificate has to be carried out by a Gas Safe accredited engineer and will ensure that there are no safety risks to the Tenants. If a Landlord does not provide a copy of the certificate to their Tenant, they could be fined up to £6,000 and/or imprisonment.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Landlords are required to install a smoke alarm on every floor of the property that is used as living accommodation. Additionally, a carbon monoxide alarm must be in every room that contains a solid fuel-burning appliance such as gas boiler or log burner. The Landlord is responsible for making sure all alarms are working at the start of the tenancy. Failure to comply could mean the Landlord is fined up to £5,000.
This list of documents must be given to your Tenant prior to handing over the keys to ensure compliance. It is important for Landlords to remember that these regulations are designed to promote safety, build transparency and trust and to prevent financial penalties.
Here at Property Assistant, our Lettings team have a proven track record of effectively managing and maintaining rental properties for our Landlords. We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with new and changing legislation, meaning we can provide our Clients with peace of mind. If you need any help or advice then you can contact us on 0118 9122370 or lettings@pauk.property
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