Legal requirements for landlords

Making sure that you know all the legal requirements for landlords is vital as a property investor. As a landlord it is your sole responsibility to ensure that you meet all legal requirements. You can’t blame lack of awareness or your letting agent. It is down to you – if you don’t meet these requirements you could face prosecution. 

It’s a scary thought; so knowledge is the key. Even if you have a letting agent managing your property, make sure that you are familiar with your legal responsibilities and you’ll be covered.

There is a guide to renting out your property on the .gov.uk website.  It’s a really useful guide and lists landlord’s responsibilities.

We have produced a legal checklist for you to go through to make sure you’re covered. Please note that HMO properties have their own legal requirements. 

Legal Requirements include:

• Tenant Fees Act 2019
• Permission to let from the lender
• Check your tenant has the right to rent your property – if in England
• Give your tenant a copy of the How to rent checklist when they start renting from you (you can email it to them)
• Protetecting the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme
• Arranging adequate insurance
• Making sure the property has an EPC
• Gas Safety Certificate
• Electrical certificate
  • Make sure all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed
• Tenant’s Safety – fit and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
• the water supply must be working properly to protect tenants from Legionella 

And much more…..

Download our free guide today to make sure that you understand and adhere to all the legal requirements for landlords

There is also a great article in the blog which discusses another legal property issue – “What are squatters rights in the UK” that’s also a great read.