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Your legal duties
Letting a Property
There are six main areas of law which a property must comply with before it is ready to be let. They have been listed below and I have added my own notes:
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 (as amended) - all gas appliances must “be safe” - this is a legal requirement for all rented property and this needs to be done every 12 months.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 - all electrical appliances must “be safe” - you have a responsibility to ensure that all electrical appliances, circuits, cables, switches and fuse board is safe and sound. There is no legal requirement to produce any certificate BUT, if the unfortunate did happen, would you be covered? A simple PAT test will ensure that all appliances left in your property are tested for earthing, continuity and soundness. All appliances are labelled. This is one way you could prove that you have taken your responsibilty seriously.
Smoke Detectors Act 1991 – the property must have smoke alarms - I can supply and fit as a non profit service. Please dont forget to add this servce on.
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2008 - from 1st October 2008 an Energy Performance Certificate must be made available to a prospective tenant. This is a legal requirement and although does not have an effect on safety, you can still be fined for not having one. An agent will always ask if you have on before selling you their own services.
The Department for Communities and Local Government makes recommendations to Landlords and Tenants on how to ensure compliance to the Safety Regulations. The CLG website is a useful reference for the legislation, and clearly states that there is a legal requirement for electrical safety:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/LettingYourHome/DG_4001391 amongst other things.
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Gas Safety Certificates
I can carry out an annual gas safety certificate/inspection to the property and provide the necessary Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Electrical Equipment Safety
I can inspect and test the landlord’s electrical appliances (PAT testing on fridges, washing machines, kettles etc) and carry out a visual survey of the electrical power points, light switches, earth bonding and fuse box.
Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) to the Electrical Installation
The electrical circuitry should be inspected and tested on a five yearly cycle. I can carry out this inspection and provide a full report (PIR) with any recommendations needed to bring the electrical system up to the standard required under current regulations BS7671. Some insurance companies require this inspection and any safety issues rectified, before granting insurance cover. Most, if not all, Housing Associations and Councils require this if you are intending to rent you property to them for a fixed 1,3 or 5 year period
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Safety
If required, I can provide a full inspection of the property and advise where smoke and carbon monoxide alarms could be fitted - I supply these at no extra cost and installation is free
Inventories
More often than not a landlord and tenant will argue over the end of tenancy condition of the property. Usually this is all sorted out amicably but what if something expensive is damaged. What if the repair bill for the damage is more than the deposit paid. What if there is no conclusive proof? Invetories are becoming more and more popular these days for the reasons outlined above.
Why use me
- I promise to answer the phone, give you a timed appointment, turn up on time and offer you an excellent service.
- I am registered with Gas Safe, which is a legal requirement when working on gas. It used to be Corgi but that changed as of 1st April 2009.
- I am a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor able to produce EPC's.
- I have a City and Guilds inspection and testing qualification and can carry out PAT testing on all electrical appliances.
- I am NICEIC qualified and registered.
- I offer huge savings. I will match or beat any genuine quote you have, call me and try. The more services you need, the more you save. Huge discounts for multiple properties, multiple services etc.
- Timed, evening and weekend appointments to suit you or your tenant. I prefer to liaise with the tenants anyway, not only saving you the hassle but it also enables me to plan a time to suit both of us.
- I always carry my ID cards. Ask to see them. Dont pay someone who isn't qualified. The certificate will be worthless.
