Information for Landlords
Being a landlord can be rewarding, but labour intensive and keeping up to date with all the legislation can be difficult. Below are only a handful of some of your responsibilities. When you instruct us to look after your property we make sure everything is taken care of. If you think it is expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire the amateur. Landlords should never make a decision based on fees alone – it could cost you more than you think.
Energy Performance Certificates
Landlords must have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) before we start to advertise the property for rent.
The Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998
Where there is a gas fire or other gas appliances or associated pipework there must be a valid gas safe certificate. This is a statutory requirement and must be carried out annually by a registered gas safe engineer.
The Electrical Safety Standards (England) Regulations 2020
Under this act landlords must provide a copy of EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report, before any tenant takes occupancy of the private rented property.
The Furniture & Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1993
Where a property is rented furnished or part furnished any upholstered item must comply with the Act. Where possible items should be identified by appropriate labelling and required to pass match and cigarette tests.
The Immigration Act 2014
Landlords must take responsibility for ensuring that they let property to only those persons who are either a British citizen, EAA, Swiss national or have the right to rent.
The De-regulation Act 2015
Under this act landlords must provide a copy of the How to Rent Booklet. This must be done to regulatory procedure.
Housing Act 2004 – Deposit Registrations.
Since 6 April 2007 all deposits must be registered in one of the three approved government schemes and served to tenants within 30 days and with the necessary prescribed information.
Finance Act 1925 – For Overseas Landlords
If you are an overseas landlord and do not have a certificate for self-assessment, George Ellis Property Services are required by law to deduct tax for all overseas landlords at the basic rate. We recommend you speak with your tax advisor when dealing with any tax affairs.
The Housing Act 2004 – Houses in Multiple Occupation
The complexity of this Act for HMOs requires direct liaison with the local housing authority of which the rental property is based. It is mandatory to have a HMO licence for a household that has 3 storeys or more and 5 occupiers from more than two different households (i.e families).
Housing Health & Safety Rating System
Your property can be open to an inspection visit under this regulation which is enforced by the local authority
The Housing Act 2004 – Licensing Schemes
A local authority has the power to apply additional and or selective licensing. There are some boroughs within London where it is mandatory for landlords to have a licence before they rent their properties.
Disability Discrimination Act 2005
If you rent your property to a disable person they can request that the landlord make any reasonable changes, this could include, for example, wheelchair ramp, taps, door handles, door bells.