As a Landlord, it is important to make sure that all of the required certificates and checks are updated and completed before you Let your property. We have compiled a breakdown of these below.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) –

An EPC measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G, with ‘A’ being the most efficient. The current EPC pass grade for a property is ‘E’, and any property that does not meet this standard is legally unrentable. An EPC indicates how much it will cost to heat and power a property, as well as recommending energy-efficient improvements and the cost of carrying them out. The more energy-efficient your property is, the more money you will save!

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) –

Landlords are required to ensure that an EICR is completed before a property is Let. An Engineer will visit the property and test the electrical systems. An EICR will reveal any potential shock risks, fire hazards or any of the circuits/equipment is overloaded. An EICR must be completed every five years.

Gas Safety Record (GSR) –

Landlords have a legal duty to ensure that their property is safe for tenants. This means that a Gas Safety registered engineer must complete an annual gas safety check on all gas appliances. Once completed, they will update the GSR. In the record it will state a description and location of each appliance that was checked. It will also include the date that the checks were carried out, and information on any safety defects that need actioned.

Legionella Risk Assessment –

Legionella is a deadly bacterium that can form in air conditioning systems, central heating and water pipes. It is the Landlords responsibility to ensure that a risk assessment is carried out by a trained professional before a tenant moves in. It is recommended that the risk assessment is reviewed annually, or when changes are made to the water system. 

Deposit Protection Scheme –

If a Tenant pays a deposit on a property, Landlords are legally required to place this in a government recognised tenancy deposit scheme. This ensures that the deposit is protected for both the Landlord and the Tenant. The Tenant will be provided with the terms under which a Landlord might apply to claim against the deposit, as well as the contact details of the protection scheme. At Paige & Petrook we use ‘Tenancy Deposit Scheme’ (TDS). The deposit must be placed in a scheme within the first 30 days of a tenant making the payment. This will be returned to the tenant within 10 days (return amount will depend on terms set out and agreed beforehand).

Fire Safety Checks –

Landlords are required to fit a smoke alarm on every storey of the property, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance.