There are landlord responsibilities to ensure that the property in which your tenants are living in habitable and fit for purpose. This involves checking that you have obtained the correct insurance cover, and that you’ve created the appropriate paperwork to legalise proceedings, as well as holding the relevant safety certificates. It’s also your obligation to provide a home that’s secure and safe, meeting regulations laid out by the government and official bodies. Your tenants’ safety and comfort should be paramount, whether you’re a public sector homeowner, or a private landlord. Regardless of the size of your portfolio, your tenants have the same rights. Are you taking your responsibilities seriously?
Essential safety
If you’re a first time landlord and new to the game, or feel as though you may need a refresher or two, delve into the pointers below; while not exhaustive, they’ll nudge you in the right direction should you have any concerns.
What are my responsibilities?
Regardless of the size of your property, or portfolio, you’ll no doubt be aware of the various landlord responsibilities that fall to you, including a range of legalities and safety concerns. For example, all landlords must provide energy performance certificates, copies of government legislation pertaining to rental agreements, full contact details, and assurances for deposits – at the very least. In your role as landlord you will be required to conduct regular safety inspections, as well as maintaining the condition of the property and the items within it. In short, you, as landlord, are legally obliged to fulfil your duties as the owner of the property, as well as making sure you abide by landlord laws that have been created to protect your tenant. Being a landlord is certainly not for the fainthearted, but it can be a rewarding outlet if you’re looking to build your property portfolio and help families to find somewhere comfortable and safe to live.
Gas and electricity
It is your responsibility, and a legal requirement, to ensure that your property’s gas-supply and appliances are inspected annually, and that you retain the safety certificates to prove this has been done. As of October 2015 carbon monoxide detectors are also a legal requirement, so be sure to stay up to date. With regard to electrical equipment, do make sure that appliances have been fitted by a professional and that certificates have been provided where applicable. Believe it or not, there are regulations determining the safety of plug sockets, so familiarise yourself with those prior to new tenants moving in; ensure that the property has sufficient sockets so they won’t be overused and overloaded, install an RCD to prevent electric shocks, and carry out electrical inspections before and after any tenancies. PAT testing, which examines white goods, brown goods, kitchen appliances, electrical fires, and hand held electronics, should also be carried out, and failing items replaced.
Fire safety
Smoke alarms on every floor are a legal requirement, while testing each before the start of a tenancy is common sense – and another requirement. Have you fitted your property with fire blankets, an extinguisher, and made sure that any occupants will have a quick and easy way to exit the property in the event of a fire? Escape routes are essential, whether that’s by the nearest door or a window that opens fully. You should also ensure that areas adjacent to cooking equipment are kept free from flammable materials, and that appliances are installed correctly and well maintained. For landlords of larger properties fire rated glass, and fire resistant glass, is a fantastic idea; specifically designed to withstand the incredible heat given off by fires, fire resistant glass offers tremendous protection in the event of a fire, and can be used for fire doors, screens, and emergency exits.
The elements
Okay, so you’ve protected your tenants against gas and electrical faults, and done all you can to ensure their safety if a fire was to break out, but have you considered the effects that the elements will have on your property? Damp and mould growth, and excess cold are just two of the ways that your property could be affected by outside forces – and both are liable to affect your tenants’ health if they’re not dealt with properly. Take the time to analyse how energy efficient your house or apartment is, the areas that could do with improvements, and that insulation is properly laid. By 2018 it will a legal requirement for all let properties to have an energy rating of at least an E, so get in there early. Meanwhile, making sure that the property is well ventilated and properly heated can prevent damp and mould growth, while leaks should be addressed quickly.
Security
As well as staying safe, your tenants will want to know that their security has been taken care of too, and that you’ve done all you can to safeguard against intruders. How is the front door locked? Have you considered that the windows may be used as an entry point? Five lever mortise locks and multi-point locking systems are great for timber doors, while door chains, window locks, security lights, burglar alarms, and shared door locks should act as deterrents and keep intruders out. In addition, be sure that doors and windows are fitted properly, and that no potential entry points have been damaged. Your tenants’ security is your responsibility, as is the condition of your property.
You no doubt want to know that your tenants are going to be in safe and responsible hands with you, and that they’ll take care of the home that you have rented out; ensuring that your property’s appliances are kept in working order, and that you’ve taken safety and security seriously is an important way to do this. As well as being legal requirements, many of the landlord responsibilities listed above are common courtesy, and will make sure that tenants feel as though they’re being taken care of, and their
- Rental Market Sees Surge in Tenant Inquiries - May 2, 2024
- Rental Crisis: Less Than Half of Homes Ready - April 30, 2024
- Thinking Of Buying A Ground Floor Flat? Common Issues You Might Face - April 30, 2024
