You must ensure the gas supply within a property is safe and an annual Gas Safety Record is carried out by a registered Gas Safe Engineer. This report must be supplied to the Tenant prior to the tenancy commencement or if during an existing tenancy within 28 days of the certificate being carried out.

A Gas Safe Registered Engineer can service your boiler regularly to ensure it is running efficiently checking for leaks and identifying any minor faults. New boilers under warranty will require the boiler to be serviced within 12 months of installation and annually thereafter. It is cost effective to carry this out along with your GSR.

An EPC includes information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. It also contains recommendations about how to reduce energy usage and save money. It assigns the property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This is valid for ten years. The current minimum rating for letting is E.

From 1st July 2020, landlords must make sure that all electrical installations are inspected and tested by a registered electrician set out in the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations which are published as British Standard 7671. This report must be supplied to the tenant prior to the tenancy commencement or if during an existing tenancy within 28 days of the certificate being carried out.

Whilst not a legal requirement, Portable Appliance Testing is the process of checking electrical appliances (that are not hard-wired) are safe such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners. PAT testing is recommended to ensure Landlords are maintaining a high standard of electrical safety in their rented properties.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It can be fatal in up to 30% of cases. A Legionella Risk Assessment will highlight potential dangers and the steps that should be taken to reduce levels of bacteria which can contaminate in water tanks, plumbing systems, air conditioners and hoses etc. It can also occur in properties where water has not been running regularly.

It is highly recommended for every Landlord to invest in an independent Inventory that has been professionally prepared. A professionally prepared Inventory will document the décor and condition of a property room by room, together with a listing of all contents in the property paying particular attention to the quantity, age, appearance and general condition of each and every item, fixture and fitting.

Whist not a mandatory requirement, it is recommended a Landlord should carry out a full professional clean prior to a tenancy commencement including carpet cleaning and window cleaning. Professionally cleaning should also include curtains and upholstery. Top up cleaning can also be arranged. Prices vary on request.

Where properties are let with a front or rear garden, it is important that any shrubs and trees are pruned seasonally as well as lawns and borders being mowed and tidied throughout the year. Wooden furniture and decking should be treated in order for it to be well-maintained. Quotes provided on request.

At least one smoke alarm is installed on each storey of the rental property which is used as living accommodation. A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is present in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a wood burner, coal fire or an Aga stove as well as any room used as a living space containing a fixed combustion appliance including boilers. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.