Advice for Landlords
You can't beat personal advice, but set out below is some useful guidance for Landlords and potential Landlords. Please note that this is a summary and we therefore recommend checking the appropriate authorities websites for the full, up to date information.
Bonds/Deposits
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme came into force on the 6th April 2007. If you are not protecting a tenant’s deposit you can be ordered to repay three times the amount to the tenant. When a landlord or letting agent takes a deposit from a tenant, the deposit must be protected in a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066380
Discrimination
It is illegal to discriminate against a tenant because of their sex, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. We have attached a few links to websites that you may find helpful (and which your tenants may already have visited…)
www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068
www.clsdirect.org.uk/media/346/86/leaflet16e.pdf
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/legalhelp/leaflets.jsp
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
Any Landlord, who lets residential accommodation, is required by law to make sure the electrical system in the building (NICEIC certification) and all portable electrical equipment (PAT testing) they supply as part of the tenancy are safe and tested. We recommend that all the electrics are tested annually.
www.niceic.com
www.pat-testing.info
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
EPCs have been required from October 2009 for all properties being offered for rent or on a change of tenancy. A penalty of up to £200 can be imposed for not having one. We can help you get one at a reasonable price.
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/957171.pdf
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
All furniture and furnishings in rented properties must pass the ‘match and cigarette’ test. All upholstered furniture e.g. mattresses, sofas must have a permanent label sewn in which confirms that it satisfies the regulations.
www.bis.gov.uk/files/file24685.pdf
Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 2009
All Landlords must make sure that all the gas supply and appliances they provide to their tenants are safe. Every property that has a gas appliance (e.g. boiler, cooker, gas fire) must have a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12). These checks must be carried out by an engineer who is on the Gas Safety Register, which has replaced the previous CORGI system. All checks must be carried out annually. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the check is performed, but again this is something we can arrange at a reasonable price
www.landlordaccreditation.co.uk/downloads/GAS%20Safe%20info.pdf
HMOs and Licensing
From April 2006 new legislation was introduced to govern houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs). Certain larger HMOs are subject to Mandatory Licensing. Local Authorities also have power to impose Selective Licensing in areas of low housing demand and or anti social behaviour. Selective licensing applies to all types of residential properties that are rented out, except licensable HMO’s which, of course, have to be licensed anyway.
We have a deal of experience in this area having arranged some of the first HMO licences in Middlesbrough for some of our landlords. For more advice on this subject contact Lindsay Thompson-Moore lindsay@collierproperty.co.uk
Insurance
This is the landlord’s responsibility and we require evidence of this from you. If you require help we can arrange this via our insurance broker contacts.
Repairs
Landlords are generally responsible for keeping the accommodation that they let in good order. Tenants should therefore be supplied with the landlord or managing agents phone number and address. Collier Property Management LLP has an arrangement with a local property maintenance company who are available to do day to day maintenance. However if a property requires significant work we also have a list of contractors who can give competitive quotes. Again please contact Lindsay Thomson- Moore lindsay@collierproperty.co.uk.
Rubbish
Landlords have an obligation to ensure that there are satisfactory arrangements in place for the removal of waste.
Student Occupation
Many insurers consider that occupation is a ‘material change of circumstances’ and require notification if a property is to be occupied by students. We can help and advise you if you wish to let your property to students.
Utilities
Landlords have an obligation to ensure that all installations for the supply of water, electricity and gas are kept in good working order.
Disclaimer:
Our website can only give general guidance and landlords should get specific advice.