SECTION 3 – GETTING YOUR PROPERTY READY
There are 7 considerations:
1 – Gas Safety
You need an annual gas safety check, on each gas appliance and flue, and record each check and give the certificate to the tenants within 28 days or at the start of any new tenancy.
Failure to do this will mean you cannot use section 21 of the Housing Act 1998 to take possession of your property if needed.
2 – Electrical Installations
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to get their property electrics checked every five years by a properly qualified person.
This applied to new tenancies from 1st July 2020 and existing tenancies on 1st April 2021.
You must give your tenants proof the electrics are safe.
3 – Portable Appliances
It is recommended you carry out annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT) on electrical items you provide as part of the tenancy and give tenants a record of the inspection.
You must ensure anybody carrying out safety checks on your property is qualified to do so.
4 – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A working smoke alarm must be installed on every story of living accommodation.
Any rooms with solid fuel appliance, such as a wood-burning stove, open fire must install a carbon monoxide alarm.
You must carry out a check on the first day of a new tenancy to ensure the alarms are working.
Failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to £5,000.
Fire safety officers in your local fire and rescue service can advise on safety requirements in HMO’s as these requirements differ.
5 – Energy Efficiency
You must provide tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at the earliest opportunity. You will not be able to use section 21 of the Housing Act 1998 to take possession of your property unless you provide this.
Since the 1st April 2020 properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E or above.
Interestingly, Landlords are not required to spend more than £3,500 to improve the rating. If the rating cannot be improved after spending £3,500, landlords can register an exemption.
Local authorities can impose penalties for breaches, and tenants can ask permission to carry out improvements, and landlords cannot reasonably refuse.
If tenants are responsible for paying energy bills, they can choose to have a smart meter installed.
6 – Furniture
You must ensure that any furniture supplied has the required fire safety labels and is fire resistant.
7 – Water Safety
You must ensure the water supply is in working order and assess the risk from exposure to Legionella.
