Being a landlord in England comes with significant legal responsibilities aimed at ensuring tenant safety and well-being. Failing to meet these obligations can lead to hefty fines, legal action, and difficulty managing your tenancy. Are you confident you're ticking all the boxes?
Here's a rundown of key landlord responsibilities:
1. Property Safety: * Gas Safety: Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer for all gas appliances and flues. Provide tenants with a copy of the certificate before they move in and within 28 days of each annual check. * Electrical Safety: Ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years. Provide tenants with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Ensure all appliances provided are safe. * Fire Safety: Install smoke alarms on each storey and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances (coal/wood). Ensure fire safety regulations are met, especially regarding furniture and furnishings. Check specific rules for HMOs. * Legionella Risk: Assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in the water system.
2. Property Condition & Repairs: * Keep the property's structure and exterior in good repair (including drains, gutters, pipes). * Maintain installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, space heating, and water heating. * Address repair issues reported by tenants promptly.
3. Legal & Administrative: * Right to Rent Checks: Verify tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts. * Deposit Protection: Protect the tenant's deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and provide the Prescribed Information. * Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Provide tenants with a valid EPC (minimum 'E' rating generally required). * Provide Correct Documentation: Issue a legally compliant tenancy agreement (like an AST from Legalmaster) and provide the government's "How to Rent" guide. * Respect Tenant Rights: Allow tenants quiet enjoyment of the property and provide proper notice before access (usually 24 hours written notice, except in emergencies).
How Legalmaster Supports Compliance:
While Legalmaster primarily generates your tenancy agreement, the process reinforces awareness of these responsibilities. Our ASTs include clauses outlining landlord repair obligations and prompts for details related to deposit protection and EPCs, helping ensure your core documentation aligns with your duties.
Staying compliant is crucial for protecting yourself and your tenants. Regularly review your responsibilities and use professional tools like Legalmaster to ensure your tenancy agreements form a solid part of your compliance framework.
