Property conditions, legislation and guidance
Property Compliance
The Renters Rights Bill is currently being debated in Parliament. There are likely to be significant changes for both landlords and tenants, in particular for starting and ending tenancies. Full details and dates for the changes have yet to be finalised. More details to be published in due course.
At the beginning of the tenancy, the property must meet certain standards and copies of documentation given to the tenant. A detailed photographic inventory is also recommend.
It is good practice to make a note of the receipt of the below documents as part of an inventory or move in checklist.
Satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report
The landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at an interval of at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.
Gas Safety Certificate
A current satisfactory Gas Safety certificate is required if there is gas in the property. More information can be found on the Gas Safe Register.
Smoke alarms
There must be working smoke alarms on every level of the property. Certain properties will require additional fire safety measures. Further guidance can be found in the CIEH Guidance on Fire Safety Provisions document.
Carbon monoxide alarm
A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room containing any fixed combustion appliance, except gas cookers. This includes gas wall heaters, gas central heating boilers, open fires or solid fuel burners.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of E or above is required, (unless your property is exempt). More information can be found on the Gov.UK website.
Fire doors
Any fire doors provided must be in good working order and fitted to correct standards. Further details can be found on the BWF Fire Door Alliance website.
Hazards
The property needs to be free from serious hazards, in good repair and fit for habitation. More information can be found on the HHSRS website.
Renting guidance
Tenants must be given a copy of Gov.UK's 'How to Rent'.
HMO licence
Where applicable, a HMO licence is required.
