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
Reasons to get a Buy to Let Mortgage
Yesterday
Following recent changes in the Buy to Let market, some investors may find this product less appealing. However, if done correctly, building a buy to let portfolio can be very profitable.
Stamp duty: how is it changing in 2025?
14 days ago
Helping you understand the upcoming changes in stamp duty (SDLT) from April 2025.
UK homebuyers and homeowners are hoping for stability in 2025.
We are hoping that mortgage rates will ease this year, but how drastically depends on inflation trends, swap rates, and the Bank of England’s decisions in which way the base rate should go.
Budgeting over the Christmas Period
3 Dec 2024
The most wonderful time of the year can easily turn into the most expensive time of the year. Watching the pennies doesn’t mean that the Christmas festivities have to stop, following a few budgeting tips can mean you still have a special Christmas and don’t go into the new year in debt.
Preparing your home to sell in winter
29 Nov 2024
December is usually a less desirable time to buy as many people don’t want to move over the holidays. However, prospective buyers do start to look at this time. Selling your home in winter may require a bit of extra attention to showcase your property at its best.
We look at why mortgage rates increased following the Bank of England's choice to reduce the bank rate, and should you fix now?
UK 2024 Autumn Budget: Housing
30 Oct 2024
On 30th October 2024 the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves delivered the Autumn budget which we had previously been warned would be “difficult”. Below we have summarised the main housing points.
Talking about money with kids
23 Oct 2024
In an increasingly cashless society, money is an intangible concept for children to grasp. In the days of coins and notes, kids could see money as something physical you require to purchase goods and services.
In order to help teach your children about money, we have listed some tips below;
More information
Trusted by
