Being a landlord in the UK requires more than simply letting out property and collecting rent at the end of the month. There are also various legal and financial obligations to consider. The purpose of these is to ensure a safe environment for tenants and are an essential factor in managing blocks of flats. With that in mind, we’ve put together a detailed compliance checklist to help landlords navigate this maze of responsibilities.
Right to Rent Checks
Since 2016, it’s been a legal requirement for private landlords in England to verify the immigration status of all tenants aged 18 and over. This is to ensure they have a legal right to live in the UK. Landlords who fail to vary out these checks risk hefty fines, so it’s crucial to always be diligent in this area.
Landlord Licencing
Some regions in the UK have introduced landlord licencing to ensure a minimum standard of living is maintained for tenants. If you’re managing a block of flats and your property falls within these areas, you’ll need to apply for the requisite licence before letting out your property. Check with your local authority to confirm whether these licencing laws apply to you.
Health and Safety in Flats
Whenever renting out a property, landlords need to adhere to various health and safety regulations to ensure that properties are free from potential dangers and hazards. This includes ensuring that fire safety regulations are met, gas safety checks are conducted annually, and all electrical installations are safe.
Local councils use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess whether properties are safe to live in. This was introduced in 2004 under the Housing Act 2004 and applies to all residential properties in England and Wales. Within the HHSRS system, inspectors will analyse 29 individual areas of the property to determine whether it is compliant. If there are any severe risks or hazards, the council could issue an improvement notice, bill you for any repairs they complete themselves, or stop tenants from being able to use the property.
Energy Efficiency Certificates
Landlords are now required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to tenants, highlighting the energy efficiency of the property. It’s crucial to note that properties must meet minimum energy efficiency standards before they can be rented. Homes must have an EPC rating of at least E, with this likely to rise as the UK moves towards net-zero targets.
Deposit Protection Schemes
Protecting tenant deposits is another legal necessity when managing a block of flats. Since 2007, all deposits must be placed in a government-backed deposit protection scheme. There are three of these schemes to choose from: Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. These services provide protection for tenant deposits, ensuring tenants will receive their deposits back at the end of their lease provided they meet the terms of their tenancy agreement.
Landlord Insurance
One of the most crucial aspects of ensuring your rental venture remains profitable and protected is having robust landlord insurance. A suitable landlord insurance policy should cover property damage, potential legal disputes with tenants, and other unforeseen risks. At Flats Direct, we provide comprehensive block of flats insurance to ensure that both you and your property are adequately protected. If you’re unsure what measures you need to take as a landlord to ensure your property is safe for tenants, our experts will be more than happy to help.
For more advice on health and safety for flats, or to find out more about our block of flats building insurance, get in touch today. Call us on 0800 731 6242, email info@flatsdirect-uk.com, or fill out our online block of flats insurance quote form.