Whether you are a landlord of single-family dwellings or multi-unit apartment buildings, there is so much to consider that it can be overwhelming at times. This is especially true if you are a new landlord renting your property for the very first time. Unless you are aware of all the legalities involved, you could be leaving yourself open to some very hefty fines, among other penalties as the law sees fit. With this in mind, let’s get a bit of advice on being a landlord in the UK.
An Overview of Safety Rules and Regulations
The purpose of the law is always to ensure the safety and wellbeing of UK citizens. That goes without saying. Therefore, tenancy laws can be quite strict. There are specific safety guidelines for landlords that must be adhered to at all times and exactly as stated in the scope of the law.
Electrical Safety
Quite often, fire and electrical safety are one and the same thing. Fires can be caused by electrical shorts in the wiring, and this is why landlords are now required by law to have a Domestic EICR completed every five years. An EICR refers to an Electrical Installation Condition Report which tests all the wiring, circuits and outlets in a building.
Commercial EICR/Fixed Wire Testing is also required regularly. You can always address general EICR queries to HEXO Electrical Testing.
Gas Safety Regulations
Here again, an annual review should be completed by an engineer who is Gas Safe registered. The purpose of this annual inspection is to make sure there are no leaks and that all fittings are secure. Flues must be inspected, and if you are a new tenant, you must be provided with a safety check record before you take occupancy or within four weeks of the inspection.
Fire Safety Rules and Regulations
As mentioned above, fire is often the result of electrical shorts but not always. There may be times when it is a tenant-caused fire such as a grease fire on the stove or a candle left unattended. In any case, when it comes to the landlord’s responsibilities, every story in a multi-level residential building must be fitted with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. All single-family dwellings must likewise be fitted with the same working alarms.
While it is the landlord’s legal obligation to meet or exceed all safety requirements, you have the right as a tenant to know what those rules and regulations are. If you have a complaint, you should first notify your landlord. If the issue isn’t fixed, you can then file a complaint with your local councillor. Failing that, you can always contact a tenant panel. Just know that the law is on your side as a tenant when it comes to the legal responsibilities of ensuring you have a safe dwelling in which to live.