What are the responsibilities of a property landlord: Read this checklist from Richard Kendall Estate Agent


From safety checks and energy efficiency to deposit protection and tenancy agreements, compliance for property landlords is essential. Richard Kendall Estate Agent prioritises safety regulations and compliance. Here is their advice:
Safety checks including gas, electricity and alarms
Gas Safety: If your property has a gas supply, it is a legal requirement to have all gas appliances, flues, and supply points inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure they are safe. This must be done annually and retain all certificates for the duration of the tenancy.
Electrical Safety: An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a thorough inspection of a property’s electrical systems and installations to assess its safety and condition.
The report highlights any immediate hazards that require attention together with items such as consumer units and protective bonding to name a few.
EICRs are a legal requirement for new tenancies in England, and as of April 1, 2020, all rental properties must have a valid EICR.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: It is crucial for landlords to comply with fire safety regulations and all reasonable measures have been taken to protect the property and tenants from fire and smoke damage.
Energy efficiency: Certificates are required by law
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) evaluates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A to G and is valid for 10 years.
Landlords are legally required to have a valid EPC with a minimum rating of band E before advertising a property for rent under current regulations.
Right to rent: Landlords must verify tenants’ documents
Landlords must check that tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK before moving in, which must be done for each adult tenant.
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £3,000 per tenant.
How To Rent Guide: How to find this vital checklist
The How to Rent Guide is an essential checklist for renting in England that landlords or letting agents must provide to new tenants at the start of their tenancy. It offers practical advice on what to do before and during a tenancy.
Deposit protection scheme is a legal requirement
Tenancy deposits must be protected through a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), ensuring deposits are held safely and returned at the end of the tenancy, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid rent.
Non-compliance can result in penalties, including being unable to evict the tenant through a Section 21 notice and paying up to three times the deposit in compensation.
Tenant information: The seven things landlords must provide
Before moving a tenant into a property, landlords must provide seven specific pieces of documentation to ensure they are legally compliant.
Failure to comply with lettings regulations can lead to fines, legal action, and the inability to legally evict tenants.
In more serious cases, non-compliance with safety regulations may result in criminal charges.
As a landlord, it’s essential to stay up to date with legislative changes and keep detailed records of all compliance activities.
If you want to talk to any of the friendly team at the local branches, in Wakefield, Pontefract/Castleford, Horbury, Ossett and Normanton, just pop in for a chat, or visit the website.