Being a landlord can be incredibly rewarding but it comes with a huge list of responsibilities. One of the most critical aspects is conducting thorough checks to ensure the property is in good condition and compliant with legal requirements.
Most (84%) tenancies in the UK are represented by individual landlords. Running a rental property is a lot of work for one person, so it can be handy to keep a list of all the things you need to stay on top of. This article explains the key things that a landlord needs to check.
Property Condition and Repairs
Before a new tenancy begins, take some time to thoroughly inspect the property’s condition and address any necessary repairs. Go through the property and assess every room, checking for any damages or issues that require attention.
Pay close attention to walls, floors, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and appliances. Ensure that all essential utilities and services are in working order, such as heating, water supply, and electricity.
Gas Safety
Gas safety is a crucial aspect of being a responsible landlord. By law, you are required to have an annual gas safety check conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You may find that you need to look at your boiler installation to avoid any carbon monoxide leaks (Source: Warmable). This may also include inspecting all gas appliances, fittings, and flues to ensure they are safe and meet the required standards.
After the inspection, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days, or before they move in if it’s a new tenancy. You need to keep records of gas safety checks to demonstrate compliance with legal requirements.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is another critical area that landlords must take note of. Regular electrical inspections by a qualified electrician are highly recommended to identify any potential hazards, faulty wiring, or outdated installations.
You could also consider Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for electrical appliances provided by the landlord. Although it is not legally required for private residential tenancies, PAT testing helps ensure that appliances are safe to use and may reduce the risk of accidents.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is of paramount importance in any rental property. Ensure that smoke alarms are installed on each floor of the property and carbon monoxide alarms are provided if the property has solid fuel-burning appliances (e.g., wood-burning stoves).
Check the smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly, and replace batteries when they need replacing. You could also teach your tenants how to do that. Educate your tenants on fire safety procedures, such as escape routes and fire extinguisher locations, to promote a safer living environment.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for all rental properties in the UK. This certificate rates the property’s energy efficiency and provides recommendations for improving its energy performance.
Make sure that you get a valid EPC before marketing the property for rent and provide a copy to prospective tenants. The EPC can help tenants make informed decisions about the property’s energy costs and potential savings.
Right to Rent Checks
If your rental property is located in England, you must conduct Right to Rent checks on all prospective adult tenants aged 18 and above. These checks verify that each tenant has the legal right to reside in the UK.
Acceptable documents include passports, residence permits, and immigration status documents. Keep records of these checks for at least one year after the tenancy ends. If you rent to someone who is not allowed to rent, you will be liable.
