Regulations for rental property

Energy Performance Certificates

Since October 2008 landlords offering property for rent are required by law to provide prospective tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate for their property.

Money Laundering Regulations 2003

To comply with this we require two forms of identity from all Landlords. We require a photocopy of a valid passport or driving licence and proof of the Landlords current address in the form of a utility bill.

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (Amendment 1993)

The Landlord should be fully aware of the terms and conditions of the Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and the Amendment to the Regulations 1993 (herein referred to as 'the Regulations'. You should check that all furniture you plan to leave in the property complies with the Regulations.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

The Landlord is fully responsible for making sure that gas installations and appliances are maintained in good order and checked for safety at least every 12 months by a Gas Safe Register Engineer. We organise this important certificate for all managed properties.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

These regulations require that all Landlords' supplying electrical equipment must ensure that it is safe and will not cause danger and that it satisfies the above Regulations.

Smoke detectors - all properties built since 1992 must have mains powered inter-connected smoke detectors/alarms with at least one per storey.  There is no legal requirement to provide a smoke alarm in older properties, but it is highly recommended that at least one battery operated smoke alarm is installed.

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Building Regulations 2000

The Landlord is responsible for making sure that proper consents have been sought and approved for all building works carried out at the Property in the past, present or future.

House in multiple occupation (HMO)

An HMO is a property that has more than two people living in the same property, who do not form part of a single household.  These properties need to comply with certain guidelines, particularly if they are split over three or more floors, such as have mains powered interconnected smoke alarms, 30 minute self closing fire doors, smoke sealed rebates and fire fighting equipment in high risk areas such as the kitchen.

Landlords should consult their local authority to find out if they require a licence or not.  Wandsworth council deems an HMO requiring a license to be a property with five or more people living there that are not part of a single household (i.e a family).  Councils are reviewing their policies periodically so they may change this criteria.

It is the landlords responsibility to ensure their property complies with all HMO legislation.