LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES

Renting out a property comes with several important legal responsibilities. At Ellis West, we offer expert advice to help you fully understand your obligations and ensure that your property is let in a safe, compliant, and successful manner. 

When letting a property, there are several key areas to consider. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of your core responsibilities: 

 Your property must be in good condition, both inside and out, and well-presented. This includes:

• Ensuring the property is well-maintained and freshly decorated.
• Ensuring the kitchen is equipped with functional, modern appliances.
• Making sure bathrooms are up to date and all fixtures are in good working order.
• Maintaining any outdoor areas like gardens or balconies.

Safety and Compliance with Gas and Electrical Regulations
As a landlord, you must ensure the safety of all gas and electrical installations:

• Gas Safety: All gas appliances, fittings, and installations must comply with Gas Safety regulations, and you must have an annual gas safety check.
• Electrical Safety: Electrical installations and appliances must meet current safety standards as outlined in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) regulations.

It's your responsibility to ensure that:

• Smoke alarms are installed on every floor of the property.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are fitted in any room with a solid fuel appliance (e.g., wood-burning stoves).

You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. This document demonstrates how energy-efficient the property is. 

Any furniture you provide must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations, and it must be purchased in the UK with the required fire safety labels. 

Before renting out your property, check whether you need consent from:

• Your mortgage lender
• Your insurance provider
• A superior landlord (if applicable)

Depending on the location of your property, you may need to apply for a license to let it. Contact your local authority to verify any licensing requirements. 

Ensure you have the appropriate insurance coverage, which typically includes:

• Buildings insurance
• Contents insurance
• Public liability insurance

If you live outside the UK, you must register as a Non-Resident Landlord with HMRC and declare any rental income for tax purposes. 

 As a landlord, you must comply with various regulations and laws. Here are some of the most important:

• Gas Safety (Installations and Use) Regulations 1998: Ensures the safety of gas appliances and fittings.
• Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020: Mandates that electrical installations are safe and inspected regularly.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: Requires landlords to install and maintain working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993: Ensures that any furniture provided complies with fire safety standards.
• Immigration Act 2014: Requires landlords to check the immigration status of tenants.
• Money Laundering Regulations 2017: Obligates landlords to verify tenant identities to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
• Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Requires landlords to keep the property in good repair.
• Safety Standards for Internal Blinds and Curtains: Regulates the safety of internal blinds and curtains to prevent accidents.
• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES): Requires rental properties to have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E or above.