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As from 31st December 2012 it will be compulsory for all Gas Engineers to see and inspect flues.
The law states you must maintain the property and undertake any major repairs that are required. This includes anything that affects the structure and exterior as well as the electrical, heating, hot water and sanitary conditions. In addition, there are special rules that apply to gas and electrical safety, tenants with disabilities, shared houses and soft furnishings. These rules can be found below.
Gas Safety
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 say landlords must ensure that gas appliances, fittings and flues are safe for tenants use and that installation, maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a Corgi-registered gas installer. If everything is OK, you’ll be given a certificate called a CP12 and you must give a copy of this to the tenant. Gas safety checks must be carried out on a property annually.
Electrical Safety
The Electrical Equipment and Safety Regulations say you must ensure that the electrics are safe, with operating instructions and safety notices supplied before a letting commences. Get your electrics regularly checked by a qualified electrician. Give a copy of the report to the tenants.
Fire Safety
All soft furnishings must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) Safety Regulations 1988 and be fire safety compliant. Look for the fire safety label on all furnishings.
Tenant Deposit Schemes
From the 6th of April 2006, all deposits taken on Assured Short Hold Tenancy Agreement with a annual maximum of £25,000 taken by Landlord in England and Wales have to be protected by an authorised tenancy deposit scheme
Energy Performance Certificate
You’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years. If a newer EPC is produced within the ten year period, only the most recent one is valid.
The certificate is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities, where a tenant has a separate contract with the landlord. The EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by a landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity.
Houses in Multiple Occupancey
Certain types of shared houses (called Houses in Multiple Occupation) have to be licensed under special rules, which also require the property meets certain extra fire and electrical safety standards. These rules also set a limit to the number of people who can occupy a property. Whether or not you need to get a license depends on the size of the property and varies by council.
As the landlord it’s your legal responsibility to ensure the regulations are complied with and that safety checks have actually been carried out – failure to do so is a criminal offence so seek advice and guidance if required.
Also, if you own a flat, some leases require you to tell the freeholder of your plans to let or may prohibit certain types of lettings. Check your lease agreement carefully for any possible restrictions.
Finally, if you are planning to let your former home, a standard home insurance policy will not cover you properly and may result in claims being rejected .you’ll need a special landlords’ insurance policy. But don’t worry, premiums are not much higher than on a standard policy.