COMPLIANCE

EPC's

From October 2008 Landlords wishing to rent their property will need to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC's) by law.  Anyone letting a property must advise potential tenants of its energy performance rating (A - G), with "A" being the most energy efficient and "G" being the least.  The average up to now being a "D".

We recommend to landlords that an EPC should only be carried out by an accredited assessor and The Letting HUB has established accredited contractors so that we can offer our landlords EPC's at a discounted rate if required.  Landlords are reminded that the cost of EPC's are tax deductable and must be produced prior to the property being marketed. 

The EPC assessment will suggest improvements to make a building more energy efficient.  The more energy efficient the property, the more attractive it will be to waiting tenants, as they will enjoy reduced energy bills.

Tips to make your property more energy efficient:-  

• Insulate a loft.
• Install cavity wall insulation as a quick and cost effective to cut bills.
• Consider installing double glazed windows in replacement of single glazed panels.
• Make sure your heating system/boiler is efficient and fitted with a thermostat and automatic timer.
• Fit draft sealers around doors and windows where required.

IMPORTANT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements are the responsibility of the owner (Landlord). Where you have signed a full management agency agreement, The Letting HUB is also responsible. Therefore, where we are managing we will need to ensure compliance.

Health and Safety - GAS

Annual safety check: Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all gas appliances and flues in rented accommodation must be checked for safety within 12 months of being installed, and therefore at least every 12 months by a competent engineer (eg. a CORGI registered gas installer).

Maintenance: There is a duty to ensure all gas appliances, flues and associated pipework are maintained in a safe condition at all times.

Records: Full records must be kept for at least 2years of the inspections of each appliance and flue, of any defects found and of any remedial action taken.

Copies to tenants: A copy of the Safety Certificate issued by the engineer must be given to each new tenant before their tenancy commences, or to each existing tenant 28days of the check being carried out.  

Health and Safety - ELECTRICAL

There are several regulations relating to electrical installations, equipment and appliance safety, and these effect landlords and their agents in that they are "supplying in the course of business".  They include the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, Plugs and Sockets Regulations 1994, the 2005 Building Regulation "Part P", and British Standard BS1363 relating to plugs and sockets.

To ensure compliance with the law and avoid the risk of being accused of neglecting your "duty of care", or even of manslaughter the Landlord/Agent must arrange for the electrical test to be carried out by an NICIEC registered engineer to gain certification prior to any tenant taking occupancy.

Consumer Protection - FIRE REGULATIONS

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety)Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1993) make it an offence to let a property with any furniture or furnishings that do not comply with safety regulations.

These regulations, all though not applicable to furniture manufactured before 1950, are extensive and care should be taken when furnishing your property to let.  Specific items supplied in the course of letting your property must meet minimum fire resistance standards.  The regulations apply to all upholstered furniture, beds, headbeds and mattresses, sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles, nursery furniture, garden furniture suitable for the use in the dwelling, scatter cushions, pillows and non-original covers for furniture.  Items which comply will have to have a suitable permanent label attached non compliant items must be removed before a tenancy commences.

SMOKE ALARMS

Building Regulations require all properties built since 1992 must have been fitted with mains powered smoke dectector alarm from new.  The Landlord and Agent have a "duty of care" which means they could be liable should a fire cause injury or damage in a tenanted property where smoke alarms are not fitted.  We therefore advise a minimum of at least one alarm fitted on each floor prior to a tenant taking occupancy and that these are regulary tested.