As Landlord of a private dwelling you inherit several statutory responsibilities revolving around the need to secure your tenant’s safety.
These responsibilities involve everything from a basic risk assessment of the property to make sure it is free of obvious hazards (e.g. checking the water supplies are not susceptible to legionnaire’s disease) right the way through to professional checks of electrical and gas appliances and ventilation. Fire safety is also a priority.
As landlord, you must ensure that the property is inspected annually by a qualified, Gas Safe Registered engineer. The inspection usually costs about £80 - 100 and you must provide a copy of the certificate to your tenant. If a new tenant is moving in a copy of the gas safety certificate must be provided within 28 days of them taking occupancy. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
The check will include inspection and testing of gas appliances and gas fired central heating boilers and flues. If you have a gas appliance the ventilation system will be inspected and any unsatisfactory appliances or ventilation must be rectified.
A good landlord should supply smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor in addition to the annual gas inspection and ensure that they are checked regularly.
Related articles:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
There was a 32% increase last year in 100% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages which are mortgages that require zero deposit. According to a recent report by chartered accountants and business advisers, Lubbock Fine, the reason behind this is buyers simply struggling to save enough for a deposit.
Average savings by age in the UK
2 days ago
Many people are quite private when it comes to what is in their bank account. In this short blog, we look into what Brits have saved by age group.
Research from buy-to-let lender, Landbay, shows that UK landlords are looking at raising rents ahead of the Renters' Rights Bill which is due to come into force this year.
Data shows landlords could miss out on green mortgages due to expired energy performance certificates.
Buying a house is a big deal, and where you are planning to buy will make a difference financially. In this short blog, we look at the most affordable and most expensive areas and how much you need to be earning to buy in there.
Pros and Cons of Equity Release
20 May 2025
Equity release is a type of mortgage that allows homeowners 55 and over to access money from their property's equity without having to leave their home. This is done by securing a loan against the house which is usually repaid by selling the property when the borrower passes away or has to move into long-term care.
Your House Viewing Checklist
19 May 2025
It’s important to ask questions about the property you are interested in before taking that step to make an offer. A little probing can make all the difference between buying your dream house or something that requires a lot of work.
Half of over 60s predicted to benefit from accessing housing wealth through Equity Release
16 May 2025
There are millions of homeowners over the age of 60 who are likely to release money from their homes to pay for their lifestyle during retirement giving those who are 'asset rich but cash poor' a way to live out their retirement the way they wish.
More information
Trusted by
