Landlords, do you really know your safety responsibilities?

As a landlord, you are required to be the master of many trades.  We know you want to provide a good service and a safe home for your tenants.  With over 400 regulations and around 145 laws to follow for you and your property to be compliant, it is no wonder that we often find that some landlords can be slightly overwhelmed at the task ahead.  But there is more to making your property safe than a gas check.

Water safety

Easily overlooked, your water system could be harbouring contaminated water. Just inhaling small droplets can lead you to contracting a pneumonia-type infection known as Legionnaires’ disease.

It is essential that you carry out periodic assessments and records are made and checked.  If your property has been empty for a while, debris has fallen into the system, you’ve got unused pipework, or there has been a problem with the heading, additional checks should be undertaken.  We always advise that a test is done prior to the start of any tenancy for peace of mind.

Fire and gas safety

Yes, it is a legal requirement to meet regulations with regard to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It doesn’t bear thinking about the tragedy that could occur if these were not in place.

You should have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your property.  A carbon monoxide alarm should also be installed in any room containing a wood burner, coal fire or other solid fuel burning appliance.

At Anthony Pepe, we would always advise you go one step further than the regulation and fit a carbon monoxide alarm if you have any gas entering your property.  This will detect and alarm your tenants should there be any presence of this silent killer in their home.

It is your responsibility to ensure all alarms are in excellent working order at the start of each new tenancy.  It’s the tenants’ responsibility to check during their tenancy, but we find that a little nudge every year for them to test each alarm, is always gratefully received.

Gas Safety

You are legally responsible for the gas safety within all your rental properties, whether tenanted or not.  This includes maintaining any gas appliances, pipe work, chimneys and flues.  In addition, you must have an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer.  As with anything to do with the safety of your properties, you must keep a record of all the checks.

Remember, a Gas Safety check must be undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer 28 days prior to the start of any new tenancy and a copy given to your tenants.

Electrical Safety

Are all the electrical systems, including switches, fittings and appliances, safe for the start and duration of each tenancy?  It is your legal duty to ensure this is the case.  Encourage your tenants to report any faults as soon as they arise so you can fix them before the damage escalates or causes an accident.

A registered electrician should carry out an annual inspection; again, a record should be kept and a copy given to your tenants.

Don’t cut corners

You should never cut corners when it comes to safety.  If you are confused or overwhelmed by the vast array of legislation you are required to abide by, come and chat to our lettings team.  We can support you and get you back on the right path.