A guide to landlord’s legal requirements

by | May 23, 2022

Do you have a property you are thinking about renting out? Or do you already have some tenants in your property?

Legislation is constantly changing for landlords and letting agents, here at Property Moves our staff are fully trained and up to date on all legislation to ensure all legal obligations are met.

Listed below is a guide to landlord’s legal requirements

Assured shorthold tenancy – All tenants should be provided with a tenancy agreement to ensure both tenants and landlords are aware of the obligations during the tenancy

Deposit protection – Whenever a damage deposit is provided by a tenant (Maximum 5 weeks) this must be registered under one of the Government approved schemes https://www.gov.uk/deposit-protection-schemes-and-landlords

Gas safety certificate – This is an annual requirement and must be conducted by a Gas Safe engineer. Appliances owned by your tenant aren’t your direct responsibility – although it’s still up to you to ensure the safety of any connecting flues, unless they’re solely connected to the tenants’ appliance.

Electrical Inspections – A reasonably new piece of legislation in the letting industry after being spoken about for many years. Electrical safety certificates cover 5 years, a Satisfactory certificate must be provided to the tenant(s) by move day.

Energy Performance certificate – An EPC rates a property from A (Most efficient) – G (Least efficient) and is valid for 10 years. The report details a properties energy use and typical running costs, along with recommendations to improve it. If your property is rated F or G, you won’t be able to rent your property unless an exemption is applied for.

How to rent checklist – To assist your tenants move and help guide them through the process from start to finish you must provide them with a How to rent leaflet https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent

If you would like further advice on your obligations or would like Property Moves to help find a tenant for you, please call on 01273 321333 or email enquiries@propertymoves.co.uk

Sign up for updates

If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest news from Property Moves, simply sign up to our mailing list below.