As a landlord you must:
Ensure your property is safe and compliant
- Ensure your property complies with the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS).
- Make sure all gas equipment and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained.
- Fit and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Follow fire safety regulations for property in a purpose-built block of flats or for houses and property adapted into flats.
- If you own a house in multiple occupation (HMO) that is rented out to five or more people, who form two or more families, and who share facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen, sink or toilet, you must have a valid HMO licence - find out how to apply.
Conduct tenant checks and provide crucial information
When letting your property you must check your tenant has the right to rent your property.
You must also protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme.
Importantly you must provide your tenant(s) with copies of the below:
- the government's how to rent guide when they start renting from you (you can email it to them).
- an energy performance certificate for the property.
- a current gas safety certificate for the property, if gas is installed.
If you do not, you may struggle to evict your tenant at a later date, should you need to do so.
Financial matters
- Make sure you pay the correct income tax on your rental income and national insurance if the work you do renting out property counts as running a business.
- Tell the council when your tenant has moved in or out for council tax purposes.
- If you have a mortgage on the property you want to rent out, you must get permission from your mortgage lender.
With so many requirements to comply with, we recommend all landlords join the National Landlords Association Accreditation Scheme which provides advice, guidance and support and recognises reputable landlords/agents who provide their tenants with high quality and safe accommodation.
We will investigate health and safety concerns about private rented housing in line with the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) - find out more.
