The following information is correct as of todays date.
Landlord responsibilities
What is a Landlord?
There are different rules for Scotland and Northern Ireland, this page if for England & Wales.
You’re a landlord if you rent out your property.
As a landlord you must:
- keep your rented properties safe and free from health hazards
- make sure all gas equipment and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained (this needs doing before any tenancy begins, and annually or five years for EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report).
- provide an Energy Performance Certificate for the property (see EPC & Floorplans in the Cotswolds)
- protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme
- check your tenant has the right to rent your property if it’s in England
- give your tenant a copy of the How to rent checklist when they start renting from you (you can email it to them)
Fire safety
It’s your responsibility to:
- 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
Health and safety inspections
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by your council to make sure that properties in its area are safe for the people who live there. This involves inspecting your property for possible hazards, such as uneven stairs.
If you own a property and rent it out, the council may decide to do an HHSRS inspection because:
- your tenants have asked for an inspection
- the council has done a survey of local properties and thinks your property might be hazardous
HHSRS hazard ratings
Inspectors look at 29 health and safety areas and score each hazard they find as category 1 or 2, according to its seriousness.
You must take action on enforcement notices from your council. You also have the right to appeal enforcement notices.
The council can do any of the following if they find a serious hazard:
- issue an improvement notice
- fix the hazard themselves and bill you for the cost
- stop you or anyone else from using part or all of the property
Financial responsibilities
You may have to pay Income Tax on your rental income, minus your day-to-day running expenses. There are different rules if you are in the Rent a Room Scheme.
You may be able to pay voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 National Insurance.
(If you only occasionally rent out your property or part of your home (for example through short-term rental apps), check if you need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about this income).
- If you have a mortgage on your property you must also get your lenders approval to rent it out.
- You must also get Insurance for Landlords ensuring that you comply with all terms.
For more information on legislation and your legal obligations as a landlord, visit the government website; https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property
For help with some of your legal obligations, please visit:
EICR – Cotswold Property Maintenance
Fire advice and Fire Risk Assessments – Cotswold Property Maintenance
EPCs and Floorplans EPC & Floorplans in the Cotswolds
Property upgrades and renovations – Cotswold Property Maintenance
Landlord Insurance – Simply Business