10 Legal Requirements for Landlords

10 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDLORS Whether you're a Buy-To-Let landlord or current circumstances (whatever they may be) have led you to become a landlord, there are ten legal requirements that you must be aware of when renting out your property. 1 2 Unfair eviction/harassment Unfair eviction/harassment is an offence, and you must follow the legal procedure when evicting your tenant - which will depend on the type of tenancy. Electrical Appliance Safety It is your legal responsibility as the landlord to ensure that all electrical appliances that you have supplied (such as cookers and kettles) are safe to use. 3. Electrical Inspections The property's electrical system must be inspected by a competent electrician to ensure safety. If the property is a HMO, you Must have an electrical safety check once every five years. Fire Precautions You must provide the property with fire alarms. If the property is a HMO, then you may also have to provide fire extinguishers. Licensable HMOS If the property is a HMO (house in multiple occupation), a HMO licence may be required from the local authority. Fire Safety Order There must be a fire risk. assessment in place and in writing to comply with the Fire Safety Order, for flats, bedsits and hostels. 7 Gas Safety If you have provided the property with any gas appliances, you Must ensure that annual gas safety checks are carried out by a Ġas Safe registered engineer. EPCS Before a tenant moves in, yoV Must have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) in place for the property, and this must be made available to the prospective tenant or tenants. 10 Payments of Rent • It must be made clear to any prospective tenants what the rent payments and administration fees are and not to confuse them with deposits. Tenancy Deposit Schemes Any deposit collected from a tenant must be protected by a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. Infographic by ASHBURNHAM INSURANCE SERVICES Sources: Residential Landlords Association GOV.UK