Your Questions Answered

What is an EPC?
What is a Tenancy Deposit Scheme?
What are my legal requirements as a landlord?

From 1 August 2007 all properties being put on the market for rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate.  This gives the property a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency rating.  These range from A to G, with A being the most efficient and D being the average score to date.

From 6 April 2007, all deposits for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be protected by a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. There are two types of Tenancy Deposit Scheme – insurance-based and custodial – and Aldermartin Baines & Cuthbert would be happy to advise you on the most suitable scheme for your property.

Gas safety - Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 landlords must have all gas installations (such as a boiler) tested by a Corgi-registered engineer.  This gas safety inspection must be carried out either once a year or at the start of a new tenancy – whichever comes first.  If your fittings and appliances pass the test you will be issued with a compliance certificate.  A copy is held by the agent letting your property and displayed to any new tenant.

Electrics - While you are not required by law to have your electrical supply and appliances checked you do have a duty of care to your tenant.  For peace of mind it is a good idea to organise a portable appliance test (PAT) for the electrical appliances in your property before you let it.

Furniture – Soft furnishings such as beds, pillows, sofas and cushions must all comply with the 1993 fire safety regulations.

Smoke alarms – If your property was built after 1991 it must have smoke alarms on every floor.  For older properties Aldermartin Baines & Cuthbert recommends fitting smoke alarms too.  They are inexpensive and easy to install and proven to save lives.

Aldermartin Baines & Cuthbert can advise you on your legal obligations and organise safety checks on your behalf.