Essential property compliance guide for Landlords
Many processes and documents are needed to ensure you can let a property out when renting out a property. This guide will provide a brief overview of essential documents required to let a property out and ensure it is safe and compliant for a tenant.
1. EPC - Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). As of April 2020, all rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least E or above (this will change in 2025 to all new rental properties having a grade of C). If this fails to meet the standard, the property cannot legally be rented out.
Validity: The EPC is valid for 10 years and must be provided to tenants before the tenancy starts.
2. Gas Safety Certificate
Suppose the property has gas appliances (boilers, gas cookers, etc.). In that case, the landlord must have a Gas Safety Certificate, which confirms that a Gas Safe registered engineer has checked all gas appliances, fittings, and flues.
Frequency: This check must be carried out annually, and the certificate must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection or at the start of a new tenancy.
3. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Landlords must ensure that the electrical installations in the property (wiring, sockets, etc.) are safe. A qualified electrician must carry out an EICR.
Frequency: This needs to be done at least once every five years. Tenants must receive a copy of the report before they move in, and new tenants must receive it within 28 days of the inspection.
4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Smoke alarms must be installed on each floor of rental properties where living accommodation is located. Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are required in any room that contains a solid fuel-burning appliance (e.g., a wood burner or open fire). From October 2022, the rules were extended to include gas appliances such as boilers.
Testing: Landlords must ensure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
5. Property Licensing
Local authorities and councils can impose mandatory, additional, or selective property licensing for rental properties. Since rules, application, and cost of each licence vary from area to area, landlords have to check with the local authorities to determine if there are any existing schemes and recheck for new ones during the tenancy. However, Chase Evans service will cover this and inform you when your property is required to obtain such a licence.
Inspection: After obtaining a licence, local council may conduct inspection to confirm compliance with licensing conditions.
*This is a generalised guide. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team