Legal Requirements
Below is a list of the Landlords current legal letting requirements.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
From the 1st of October 2008 all Landlords need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate whenever a home in the social or private rented sector is let to a new tenant. The certificate is only required for a property which is self-contained. It is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities, where a tenant has a separate contract with the Landlord. The EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by a Landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity. EPCs are valid for ten years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. If a newer EPC is produced within the ten year period, only the most recent one is valid.
The Landlords Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
It is the responsibility of the Landlord to verify that all gas appliances, flues and pipe work comply with the current regulations and that annual inspections are carried out and certified by a CORGI registered engineer. This safety certificate should either be supplied to the tenant upon or before occupation or within 28 days of the inspection if they are already in residence, we would recommend that a copy of the certificate is left at the property.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
Under this Regulation, Landlords should ensure that all electrical appliances, plugs, sockets, wiring and the electrical supply are safe and will not cause danger. They must also comply with all statutory requirements. Whilst there is no current legal requirement for Landlords to arrange an annual safety check of electrical equipment, the legislation falls under the general Consumer Protection Act 1987, and as such Landlords must demonstrate that it is safe. However, we would strongly recommend arranging a periodic electrical inspection, by a qualified electrician as death or injury resulting from faulty electrical equipment could lead to the Landlord being prosecuted. Instruction booklets should also be supplied with electrical equipment to minimize the risk of misuse by the tenant.
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 & 1993)
When letting out property it is the responsibility of the Landlord to ensure that the following soft furnishings comply with these regulations: Upholstery and upholstered furniture (to include beds, headboards, mattresses, pillows, settees, armchairs, loose covers, sofa beds, cushions, beanbags, futons, conservatory and garden furniture). The only way to ensure that these items comply with the Regulations is to check that they carry the necessary regulatory display label. Furniture manufactured before 1990 cannot be supplied to a tenant unless it has been professionally re-upholstered with conforming materials.