New regulations or legislation are introduced weekly in the lettings sector, and it is hard to keep up. But when it comes to compliance, landlords and agents must have a variety of Landlord Certificates London to prove that their tenants are safe and in good condition. Our goal is to provide landlords and agents with a comprehensive list of the credentials they should know about.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The government introduced Landlord Certificates London to improve the energy efficiency of homes in London, UK. Still, they have gained importance in recent years as the government has sought to strengthen energy efficiency regulations. Landlords and agents must order an EPC for potential tenants when a property is listed for rent. Tenants must also receive a copy on the first day of their tenancy. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) provide information regarding a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and recommendations for reducing energy consumption.
An energy efficiency rating is given to a property. Ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), lasting 10 years. With the introduction of the MEES Regulations (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard), it has become illegal for private landlords to let domestic properties to new or existing tenants if the EPC rating is F or G.
A prohibition on letting F or G properties has been in effect since 1 April 2022, even if the tenancy has not changed. The consequences of enforcement actions can be severe. Councils can serve compliance notices if they believe that a landlord is failing to comply with their energy efficiency obligations. The landlord may receive a financial penalty of up to £5,000 per property if a breach is later confirmed.
Gas safety certificate
Landlords and agents must understand and comply with their gas safety responsibilities in rental properties. According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must ensure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys, and flues are safe and working properly. Gas safety checks, records, and ongoing maintenance are a landlord’s or letting agent’s main legal responsibilities when letting a property with gas appliances installed.
A Gas Safe-registered engineer must conduct an annual gas safety check on all gas appliances and flues in a rental property. Landlord Certificates London or Gas Safety certificates containing details of all the checks carried out will be provided once such a check has been completed. It may also be referred to as a CP12 certificate. The landlord or agent must conduct an annual gas safety check on behalf of the landlord, and the tenants must receive the gas safety certificate within 30 days.
The Landlord Certificates London must be given to the current tenants within 28 days following the gas safety check. In the meantime, new tenants will need to provide this at the beginning of their tenancy.
Electrical safety certificate
Landlords, or their agents, must also ensure their rental properties adhere to electrical safety standards to keep tenants safe. For new tenancies, the new regulations require landlords to have their electrical installations inspected and tested every five years by a qualified and competent person.
If requested, a copy of the Landlord Certificates London must also be provided to tenants and their local authorities. The regulations were extended to all existing tenancies in April 2022. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be obtained from the person performing the inspection and test, explaining its results and any investigative or remedial work that needs to be done.
The landlord or agent must then provide a copy of the inspection and test report to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants must receive this report before moving in, and prospective tenants must receive it within 28 days of receiving a request.
The landlord or agent must provide a copy of the Landlord Certificates London within seven days of receiving a request from the local authority. The inspector and tester responsible for the next inspection and test must receive a report copy.
A landlord or agent may be required to carry out other tests requiring certification or documentation, such as asbestos surveys and fire risk assessments, boiler servicing, PAT testing, and water usage and ventilation tests. Here’s more information.
As a London Property Inspections provider of property services, it offers Energy Performance Certifications. As our company has grown, we have expanded into providing other services besides Landlord Certificates London for the private and public sectors.
