Legal Requirements for Property Letting

There are certain laws governing the Letting of properties which you need to be aware of as it will be your responsibility to make sure you comply with these procedures. We’ve listed a few examples of legislation below that will apply to you. Your local team at Northwood will be able to help you understand these and any other regulations that you need to be aware of.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

All tenants need to be provided with energy efficiency information when they first view the property and must then receive a paper copy of the certificate should they decide to move in. We can instruct a contractor to complete an EPC for you. In some parts of the UK, the tenant has a right to request that work is carried out in order to improve the energy efficiency of the property. Although the landlord will not be able to unreasonably refuse the work, it is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure the work is funded.

Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)

The Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement to ensure that all gas appliances in a property are safe. You must ensure that this is renewed every twelve months and that a copy of the certificate must be forwarded to those who
require it. We can organise this on your behalf.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms

In most parts of the UK, there is a requirement to have a suitable system in place for detecting smoke and the escape of carbon monoxide. Although the requirements vary across the country, your local office will be able to advise on what you need to do in order to comply.

Electrical checks

In England, private landlords are legally required to ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are checked and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified and competent person. This is a requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and also provide it to the local authority upon request.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

In rented properties, landlords are legally required to install both smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. A smoke alarm must be fitted on each storey with living accommodation, and a CO alarm is required in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

PAT tests

As landlord you are obliged to ensure that all electrical appliances are safe and fit for purpose. This can be done by arranging a PAT test, which is renewed annually.

Furniture and fire regulations

It is your duty to make sure that any soft furnishing left in the property comply with current regulations. For further information visit www.direct.gov.uk

Prepare inventory

This is a thorough record of your property and its contents. We take a full photographic record of the property inside and out. Like all important documents, this needs to be kept in a safe place for future reference and regularly updated.

Register with the deposit protection service

There are three goverment- approved providers available. You are required by law to register all tenant deposits so that they are protected by a third party for the duration of the tenancy. We can organise this on your behalf.