Landlord Obligations
Landlord Obligations: Your Responsibilities with Waltham Estates
At Waltham Estates, we take pride in adhering to the highest industry standards, including full compliance with Propertymark regulations. As a responsible landlord, understanding your legal obligations is crucial for ensuring your property is safe, compliant, and well-managed. Below, we outline the key landlord responsibilities you must meet to stay compliant with UK laws and Propertymark guidelines.
1. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Every rental property in the UK requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As a landlord, you must ensure your property has a valid EPC before it is marketed for rent. The EPC provides a rating for the energy efficiency of the property and helps tenants understand their potential energy costs. At Waltham Estates, we assist with arranging your EPC if needed and ensure compliance with Propertymark regulations.
2. Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICRs)
Since April 2021, landlords must have an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) conducted at their property. The report ensures the safety of electrical installations and provides confidence to both landlords and tenants. The EICR must be provided to tenants at the start of the tenancy and renewed every five years. Waltham Estates can help you schedule these inspections and ensure compliance with Propertymark’s best practices for tenant safety.
3. Gas Safety Regulations
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must ensure a Gas Safety Check is carried out annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A Gas Safety Record must be issued and provided to the tenant before they move in. Regular checks and accurate record-keeping are vital for staying compliant with UK law and Propertymark guidelines. Waltham Estates will make sure this process is managed effectively.
4. Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations ensure that all furniture provided by landlords is safe from fire hazards. This includes upholstered items such as beds, sofas, and mattresses. All items must meet fire safety standards and be clearly labeled. At Waltham Estates, we guide landlords in ensuring that their furniture is compliant and safe for tenants.
5. Electrical Equipment and Safety Regulations
All electrical equipment provided by landlords must comply with Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations. Landlords should ensure that all appliances are safe and regularly maintained. We recommend regular safety checks and can arrange for Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to ensure compliance with Propertymark’s emphasis on tenant safety.
6. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
While Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is not a mandatory requirement, it is strongly recommended as part of good practice. PAT ensures that any electrical appliances provided in the property are safe to use. Waltham Estates offers this service, in line with Propertymark’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
7. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations (2015)
Under UK law, landlords are required to install smoke alarms on every floor of the property and carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance (e.g., coal, wood stoves). These alarms must be checked at the start of every tenancy and in good working order throughout the tenancy. If any alarms are found to be faulty, they must be repaired or replaced immediately. At Waltham Estates, we ensure these checks are in compliance with both UK law and Propertymark’s guidelines for tenant welfare.
8. Deposits and Deposit Protection
When you take a deposit from tenants, it must be protected within 30 days of receipt in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. At Waltham Estates, we use the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), a government-authorized scheme, to securely protect tenants’ deposits. We provide tenants with the necessary information about the scheme, ensuring full compliance with Propertymark’s regulations and the law.
9. Licensing Requirements
Certain properties, especially Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO), may require a licence to rent out. This also applies if the property is located in an area with selective licensing. Property licensing ensures the property meets minimum standards for health and safety. Waltham Estates can help you determine if your property requires licensing and will assist you with the application process. We ensure full compliance with local authorities and Propertymark’s ethical practices.
10. Tenancy Agreement and Legal Compliance
It is a legal requirement to have a written tenancy agreement outlining the terms of the rental, including rent amount, duration, tenant responsibilities, and landlord obligations. A clearly drafted agreement protects both parties and ensures compliance with the law. Waltham Estates provides professionally written tenancy agreements that meet all legal requirements and adhere to Propertymark’s ethical standards for transparency and fairness.
11. Right to Rent Checks
Landlords must verify that tenants have the Right to Rent in the UK before allowing them to move into the property. This is a legal requirement under the Immigration Act 2014. The check involves reviewing relevant documents and retaining copies for records. Waltham Estates ensures that these checks are performed correctly and in line with Propertymark’s guidance on legal compliance.
12. Rent Increases and Rent Repayment Orders
If you wish to increase the rent during the tenancy, you must follow proper legal procedures, providing the correct notice (usually 1 month) to the tenant. Additionally, tenants may apply for a Rent Repayment Order if the property is found not to comply with legal requirements. Waltham Estates will assist you in navigating the process, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and Propertymark’s standards for fair practice.
13. Eviction Process
If you need to regain possession of your property, you must follow the legal process for eviction. This includes providing appropriate notice and, if necessary, applying for a court order. Waltham Estates offers full support throughout the eviction process, ensuring all steps are legally compliant and in line with Propertymark’s guidelines on fair and ethical treatment of tenants.
14. Anti-Discrimination Laws
Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords must ensure that tenants are not discriminated against based on their age, gender, disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Propertymark requires its members to follow ethical standards that promote equal treatment and opportunity for all. Waltham Estates fully supports and adheres to these principles in all our dealings with tenants.