BUYPlease see below a summary of some of the most important areas that require compliance. This is by no means an exhaustive list or explanation so please do contact your local branch if you would like to find out more information.
Gas Safety Certificate
It is a criminal offence to let Premises with gas appliances, installations and pipe-work that have not been checked by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. If a valid GSC is not held by the Tenant a Section 21 Notice will be void.
Electrical Compliance
The Landlord is responsible for providing instruction books for all items of electrical equipment and for ensuring that all electrical appliances within the Premises comply with the current regulations. You should also ensure that all electrical installations are safe and are regularly checked.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
From October 1st 2015 the Landlord will have the legal obligation to fix smoke alarms on each story of the Property and a carbon monoxide detector in any room with a solid fuel appliance before entering into any new tenancy. In addition the Landlord is required to have the detector and alarms tested prior to the start of the Tenancy and to hold records of such tests.
Immigration Act
The Immigration Act 2014 imposes an obligation on the Landlord to check the passport or other identity documents with the applicant present and to check that any person who requires a visa or work permit holds the valid authorisation and is complying with its terms. Failure to do so could result in a penalty.
Legionnaires
In order to comply with the Health and Safety Executive's Code of Practice landlords are strongly advised to carry out a legionnaires risk assessment at their premises prior to letting especially if there are open water tanks, cooling systems or a swimming pool. We request that a copy of any written risk assessment is provided upon instruction. More information is available at HSE.gov.uk.
EPC – Energy Performance Certificates
The new MEES programme - Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards will ultimately make it unlawful from April 2018 to let homes in England and Wales which do not achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘E’. For further information please contact your local lettings manager who will be able to provide you with a full guide.
