Landlord's Legal Responsibilities

Safety and certification

• Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with a copy given to the tenant.
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years.
• A valid EPC before marketing, meeting the minimum energy efficiency standard.
• Working smoke alarms on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Furniture and furnishings that meet fire safety regulations.

Deposits and money

• Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
• Serve the prescribed information to the tenant within the same period.
• Keep tenancy deposits and rent handled through protected client accounts.
• Only charge permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act.

The property itself

You must keep the structure and exterior in repair, along with the installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot water. The property must be fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy, including being free from serious damp and hazards.

Checks and licensing

• Right to rent checks for all adult occupiers before the tenancy starts.
• Any HMO licence required for the property.
• Selective or additional licensing schemes operated by the local council.
• Planning and building regulation compliance for any works or conversions.

Access, notices and privacy

• Give at least 24 hours' written notice before visiting, except in an emergency.
• Serve the correct notice, in the correct form, with the correct notice period.
• Handle tenant data in line with data protection rules — we are ICO registered.
• Follow the proper legal process for possession; never attempt to remove a tenant yourself.

Where we come in

On a fully managed property we track every certificate and renewal date, arrange the inspections, serve the paperwork correctly and keep documented evidence of it all in one place. This page is a summary rather than legal advice — ask us if you are unsure about your own property.