[-] Hide Landlord's Legal & Safety Requirements
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
These regulations first came into effect on 31st October 1998, to ensure that gas appliances are property installed and maintained
in a safe condition, so as to avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Faulty equipment can lead to death and a conviction of
unlawful killing on a Landlord. Under the regulations, any appliance that does not conform can be disconnected.
Marriotts Residential Lettings can arrange for a member of the Council for Registered Gas Installers (GAS SAFE), to carry out a
Gas Safety Inspection for you periodically, to give you peace of mind that your gas appliances and pipe work are up to current
standard. It is the responsibility of the Landlord to ensure that all gas appliances and pipe work are checked for safety each year.
We ensure that a copy of the current safety certificate is always available for any tenant prior to them taking occupation of a
property.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007
The above regulations impose an obligation on a Landlord to ensure that a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is available
to prospective tenants and a copy provided to the incoming tenants once the tenancy agreement is signed. Marriotts are able to
arrange for an EPC to be produced by one of our Chartered Surveyors who are accredited to carry out this work
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
The above regulations impose an obligation on a Landlord to ensure that all electrical appliances, left as part of a let property,
are safe. Cabling, fuses and plugs should also be inspected and replaced where necessary to the correct rating for that particular
appliance. Other legislation covering electrical installations is currently in force, and we strongly recommend that all appliances
are regularly checked and serviced.
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 1993
The above regulations were amended in 1993, and set new levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture and
furnishings. It is an offence to ‘supply’ in the course of business, any furniture which does not comply with the regulations. This
includes supplying furniture as part of a residential property to be let.
The regulations apply to: sofas, beds, bed-head, childrens’ furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling, scatter
cushions and pillows, stretch or loose covers for furniture or similar items. The regulations do not apply to: curtains, carpets,
bedclothes (including duvets and mattress covers). Any furniture manufactured after March 1990 is likely to comply, but if the
appropriate labels are not on the furniture, compliance is in doubt, and checks should be made with the manufacturer.
The Building Regulations 1991 – Smoke Alarms
The 1991 Building Regulations require that all properties built since June 1992, must be fitted with mains operated inter-linked
smoke detectors/alarms on each floor. Such regulations regarding older properties do not exist, but we strongly recommend
that smoke alarms are fitted in all let properties, and are regularly checked to ensure they are in full working order.
Consent to Let
If you have a mortgage, you must obtain consent from your mortgage lender. If your interest in the property is leasehold, your
lease may require you to obtain consent from your Landlord, prior to sub-letting.
Insurance
Standard homeowner insurance may well be invalidated when you let your property. Our office can obtain quotations for
specialist comprehensive cover for rental properties, including buildings, rent and legal insurance.
Just call our office on 0115 911 4141 for more information or a quote.
Housing Act 2004
The Government has introduced a new specific Use Class for Houses in Multiple Occupation into planning law, using the Housing
Act 2004. It can be viewed as SI 2010 No. 653 Town and Country Planning, England. The Town and Country Planning (Use
Classes) (Amendment) ( England) Order 2010. This came into force on 6 April 2010.