Keeping your property in good condition is important, but there are also several specific regulations which, as a landlord, you must fulfil.
Use our comprehensive landlord compliance checklist to ensure you are up to date with your legal obligations.
Do I need a licence?
Licensing varies across the country, so you must check with your local authority to find out if selective licensing schemes apply in the area in which you own property.
All HMO properties will need licenses, but some local councils will also licence all private landlords. If you do not have the proper licence in an area where it is required, you could face significant fines or limitations on your business.
What are right to rent checks?
As a landlord, you can only rent your property to a tenant who has the legal right to rent in the UK. Under section 22 of the Immigration Act 2014, a landlord should not authorise an adult to occupy a property as their only or main home under a residential tenancy agreement unless the adult is a British citizen, or EEA or Swiss national, or has a ‘right to rent’ in the UK.
If you do choose to rent your property to someone who is in the country illegally, you could face a fine of up to £3,000 per tenant. You must also ensure that you do regular follow-up checks to meet the correct landlord compliance requirements. Learn more about the Right to Rent laws here.
Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment?
As a landlord, you are legally obligated to provide an Energy Performance Certificate before a tenant moves into a property. A copy of the certificate must be given to each tenant.
Since April 2018, it has been compulsory for rental properties to achieve a minimum efficiency rating of ‘E’. If your property does not meet this requirement, you will be unable to rent it out and steps will need to be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
Do I need a Gas Safety Certificate?
Gas safety must be inspected yearly by a registered engineer, who will check the supply, pipework, and all appliances. Only a qualified and registered Gas Safe engineer can issue the official certificate, which is valid for twelve months. Both your tenant/s and yourself should have a copy to ensure landlord compliance.
Do I have to register my tenant’s deposit?
Registering your tenants’ deposits is a legal requirement. You must secure their deposit in one of the tenancy deposit protection schemes that the government has approved.
There are two types of deposit protection schemes:
1. Custodial: the tenant pays the landlord a deposit and you pay it to the scheme. The deposit is held with the scheme for the duration of the tenancy and returned minus deductions at the end of the tenancy once any disputes have been settled.
2. Insurance: the tenant pays the landlord and you pay a premium to the scheme to ensure the deposit.
How do I ensure my property is safe?
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRH) is the main enforcement tool used by local councils to address poor conditions in privately rented homes.
The powers, introduced under Part I of the Housing Act 2004, provide a process for assessing the likelihood of serious harm and the range of health outcomes when considering 29 separate hazards in residential accommodation. See the full list of 29 hazards here.
What alarms and monitors do I need?
Smoke alarms must be installed in every story of any property that you rent to ensure landlord compliance. Carbon monoxide alarms will also need to be installed if fuel burners are present.
All of these alarms must be tested on the day that the tenant moves in, to ensure they are in working condition.
Do I need insurance?
No, but it is highly recommended for private landlords to invest in landlord insurance. Landlord insurance comes in many varieties and is a great way to protect your property from expensive repairs that you cannot prevent.
Some mortgages require this insurance to allow renting, so you should check this with your mortgage provider.
Can I do my own property repairs?
It is important to familiarise yourself with the Repairs and Maintenance regulations laid out in the Landlord and Tenant Act.
All landlords must handle repairs related to:
- The exterior of a property (i.e. roof and chimneys)
- The structure of a property (i.e. walls)
- Anything necessary for safe water, gas, and electricity
As a landlord, you need to ensure that you are keeping up with the latest legislation. Not following through on your obligations can lead to costly fines or a loss of your rights as a landlord.
Managing all of the above can be very confusing and time-consuming. Free yourself of the burden and take advantage of the services of a reputable property management company like London Shared.
A guaranteed stress-free way to rent out your property in London. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can work for you and your property.