Landlord Obligations
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The EU (European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Directive:
From the 1st October 2008, all properties on the market to let require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by law in England and Wales. As a landlord, you will be responsible for purchasing the EPC and you will need to present the EPC to the letting agent so that it is readily available to potential tenants. Once prepared it is valid for lettings for 10 years. Cassidy & Tate can organise this, please see section (Optional Services) for fee details.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
To comply with the Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998 a valid landlords gas safety certificate must be available (Covers the Inspection of ALL gas appliances) and supplied to Cassidy & Tate at least 5 days before any tenancy commences. Gas appliances must be inspected annually by a ‘gas safe’ engineer and landlords gas safety certificate issued. Cassidy & Tate must hold a valid Landlord Gas Safety Certificate for all properties throughout the duration of any tenancy. In the event that this is requirement is not met Cassidy & Tate will employ a contractor and the cost will be deducted from the rent automatically. Any delays or financial loss resulting from a lack of valid gas certificate shall be the landlord’s responsibility.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 201
To comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 2015 landlords are required to install a working smoke alarm on every level of the property and to ensure that there is a CO detector in any high-risk room, i.e. those containing a heating appliance (Boiler/Gas fire etc).
Electrical Safety Regulations
To comply with the Landlord and Tenant act (1985) and The Housing Act (2004) Landlords are required by law to ensure that the Electrical Installation and any Portable Electrical Appliances are:
• Safe when the tenancy begins AND
• Maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.
Landlords are responsible for the safety of any fixed wiring and electrical appliances that they provide for the tenants use.
Failure to comply with Electrical equipment (safety) regulations (1994) and the consumer protection act (1987) is a criminal
offence and can result in severe penalties. To ensure Landlords comply with these regulations Cassidy & Tate advise a fixed
wiring inspection by a qualified electrician is carried out and a report is produced.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulation 1993
With effect from the 1st March 1993 it was made illegal for a professional landlord to let a property that does not meet all the fire resistance requirements. In brief, the regulations require that upholstered furniture (lounge suites, headboards, mattresses, bed bases etc) must have fire resistant filling and the covering material must have passed cigarette resistance test. Since 1997 all properties available to let must comply with regulations. Since 1990 all new upholstered furniture must comply with this regulation and carry a permanent label stating which test the material has been subject to. Non-compliant furniture must be removed or replaced. We recommend smoke detectors to be used (at least one on each property level).
What is the law required of landlords for Legionella?
Landlords who provide residential accommodation have a legal duty to ensure that the risk of exposure of tenants to Legionella is properly assessed and controlled. It is recommended that every 2 years, Landlords of domestic properties appoint a professionally trained and accredited body to carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment survey then implement any recommendations.