COMPLIANCE FOR LANDLORDS
"it's about ensuring that every aspect of your property management practices enhances tenant safety, protects your investments, and aligns with legislative demands"
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Are You Compliant?
In the realm of property management, compliance isn't just about adhering to the minimum legal standards—it's about ensuring that every aspect of your property management practices enhances tenant safety, protects your investments, and aligns with legislative demands. Compliance is an extensive field covering various regulations from both local and national bodies.
Here are some key areas of compliance that every landlord should be actively managing:
Building and Housing Regulations: Central to property compliance are the Housing Act (2004) and the Building Regulations (2010). These cover everything from the structural integrity of the building to specific requirements for rental properties, such as minimum room sizes, emergency escape routes, and the installation of fire safety equipment. Landlords need to ensure that properties meet these basic safety, health, and environmental standards.
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HMO Licensing: If you're managing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), compliance gets even more stringent. The need for a mandatory HMO license kicks in when you're renting out a property to five or more people forming more than one household. The criteria involve adequate cooking and bathroom facilities, fire safety measures, and proper management and maintenance of the building. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe, with fines up to £30,000. We can assist in navigating these regulations, ensuring that your HMO is not only compliant but also positioned for maximum rental yield.
Gas and Electrical Safety: Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (1998), landlords are required to have all gas appliances checked annually by a certified engineer. Similarly, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations (2020) mandate regular checks of electrical installations every five years. These checks are crucial not only for compliance but for the safety of your tenants, protecting them against potential accidents and hazards.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): Since April 2018, there has been a requirement for rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of 'E'. Properties that fail to meet this standard cannot legally be rented out. The drive towards energy efficiency is only going to increase as the UK pushes towards its carbon-neutral goals. We provide assessments and recommendations on how to improve your property’s energy efficiency, thus enhancing its EPC rating and making it more attractive to prospective tenants.
Right to Rent Checks: Introduced as part of the Immigration Act 2014, the Right to Rent legislation requires landlords to check the immigration status of all tenants to ensure they have the legal right to reside in the UK. Failure to conduct these checks can lead to civil penalties.
Data Protection (GDPR): With the advent of GDPR, landlords must ensure that they handle tenant data in line with stringent EU and UK data protection laws. This includes how you collect, store, and share personal information.
Legislative Updates: The legislative landscape for landlords is continually evolving. For example, the Renters' Reform Bill, which is set to abolish 'no-fault' evictions under Section 21 and introduce a lifetime deposit scheme, will necessitate significant adjustments in how landlords manage tenancies.
As your property management partner, we ensure that you remain fully compliant across all these areas. We handle the bureaucracy and keep you informed of the latest changes, providing peace of mind and more time for you to focus on expanding your investment portfolio. Additionally, our calendar is available on the site for you to book a free 15-30 minute consultation to discuss your specific compliance needs or any other concerns regarding property management. CLICK HERE to book a call
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