Essential property compliance guide for Landlords
Overview
With renting out a property, there are many processes and documents needed to ensure you can let a property out. This guide will provide a brief overview of essential documents needed in order to let a property out and ensure it is safe and compliant for a tenant.
1. EPC - Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). As of April 2020, all rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least an E or above (this is due to change in 2025 to all new rental properties having a grade of C). If this fails to meet the standard, the property cannot legally be rented out.
Validity: The EPC is valid for 10 years and must be provided to tenants before the tenancy starts.
2. Gas Safety Certificate
If the property has gas appliances (boilers, gas cookers, etc.), the landlord must have a Gas Safety Certificate, which confirms that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Frequency: This check must be carried out annually, and the certificate must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection or at the start of a new tenancy.
3. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Landlords are required to ensure that the electrical installations in the property (wiring, sockets, etc.) are safe. An EICR must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Frequency: This needs to be done at least once every 5 years. A copy of the report must be given to tenants before they move in, and new tenants must receive it within 28 days of the inspection.
4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
In rental properties, smoke alarms must be installed on each floor where there is living accommodation. Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are required in any room that contains a solid fuel-burning appliance (e.g., a wood burner or open fire). From October 2022, the rules extended to include gas appliances such as boilers.
Testing: Landlords must ensure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.