Legal Requirements to Consider when Renting out a Residential Property
If you’re preparing a residential property to be rented out in the UK, there are a number of legal requirements that you need to consider. Here are some key steps to ensure that your property is prepared legally for rental.
Obtain a Gas Safety Certificate
If your property has a gas supply, you are legally required to have a Gas Safety Certificate, which certifies that all gas appliances and flues have been checked and are safe to use. You also need to have a smoke alarm fitted on every floor, as well as a Carbon Monoxide alarm where there is a gas appliance.
Check electrical safety
Ensure that the electrical system and any appliances in the property are safe and in good working order. You need to obtain Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to provide evidence of compliance.
Comply with fire safety regulations
Make sure that your property complies with fire safety regulations, such as having smoke detectors and fire alarms in the right places, and providing fire blankets and fire extinguishers if necessary.
Register with the local council
In some areas of the UK, you may be required to register your property with the local council as a Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC provides information about a property’s energy efficiency, and must be provided to potential tenants before they sign a rental agreement. The minimum EPC rating to let out a property is E, however this is due to increase to C soon.
Comply with the Equality Act
The Equality Act requires landlords to make reasonable adjustments to the property to accommodate tenants with disabilities, such as installing grab rails or a stair lift if necessary.
Ensure that the property is insured
As a landlord, you are responsible for insuring the building and contents of the property. Consider taking out landlord insurance to cover potential damages or losses.
Check your tenants immigration status
You have to ensure that any your tenants have the ‘right to rent’ you can do so online on the government website, or the tenant may already have a Right to Rent certificate to show you that they have the right to rent out the property.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your property is prepared legally for rental and that you are complying with all relevant regulations and requirements. If you have any doubts or concerns, consider seeking advice from a professional, such as a solicitor or an estate agent.