Renting Regulations
With so many rules and regulations to abide by, we know how stressful it can be to prepare your property for let, and to manage the tenancy once your tenant has moved in. That’s why we’re here to help!
Your responsibilities as a landlord will include, but are not limited to:
- Keeping your rented properties safe and free from health hazards
- Making sure all gas and electrical equipment you supply is safely installed and maintained
- Following fire safety regulations
- Providing and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property
- Protecting your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme
The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and the Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 mean that as a landlord you have a duty of care to your tenant in respect of any furniture you leave in the property.
We insist all of our landlords install working smoke detectors in their property if none are already in place.
Electrics and wiring
All tenancies new and existing must follow the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations and have an electrical inspection condition report (ECIR) in place.
It is a legal requirement that all properties have a full electrical wiring test every five years, completed by a fully qualified and registered electrical contractor.
Any electrical appliances must be thoroughly tested by a qualified electrician, including kettles, toasters, microwaves, electric ovens, electric heaters, etc, via Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
It is a legal requirement to have a Gas Safety Record for all gas appliances within the property. The checks must be carried out by a fully qualified and registered engineer every 12 months.
If your property is mortgaged, you must request the permission from your bank or building society before you seek to let your property. They may also need to check our credentials if you are choosing to rent through us.
As a landlord, you are required to have buildings insurance, advising your insurer that you are a landlord, and not an occupier. Should you be leaving any furniture within the property, you will also require a contents insurance policy.
All of our tenants are required to complete a full tenancy application and must pass a credit reference check before they enter into a tenancy agreement with us.
We have close links with specialist insurers who deal specifically with rented properties.
There are a variety of insurance packages available, including those for building and contents. There are also insurance agreements available which will protect against a problem tenant, guaranteeing the rent and covering legal bills in the event of any issues.
Get in touch with our team for more details.
We recommend all tenancies complete an accurate and up-to-date inventory for the property prior to the outset of any tenancy.
We will always take a deposit from the tenant at the outset of the tenancy, which will be held in the event of any damages, breakages or theft from the property at the end of the agreement.
Please note: Normal, fair wear and tear must be expected during the period of the tenancy.
Your property will require repair and maintenance from time to time, and this is not necessarily always attributable to the tenant. We will always advise you accordingly should the need for repairs arise.
