Legal Aspects of Renting Out Your Property
The landlord has obligations in law. We will ensure that you are made aware of these and that we comply with the requirements on your behalf. We would be happy to discuss any queries you have so please Contact Us and find out how we can help you to make the most of what you have.
Gas
 The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 states that the owner of any gas installation, pipe work and gas appliance must ensue that they are safe prior to letting a property. You also have to prove that all appliances are safe. This is done by obtaining a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate from a CORGI registered gas Engineer who has the necessary NACS certification. Gas appliances must be inspected annually and a certificate issued. We can arrange this on behalf of landlords.
We always provide a copy of this certificate to incoming tenants, and we will not let any property with gas appliances unless a current certificate is available.
Soft Furnishings
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989 & 1993)
These regulations apply to all soft and upholstered furnishings which means that these items must carry a permanently fixed label detailing that the item complies with the legislation. This is quite straightforward, but very important nonetheless. Here again we will give advice on this when appropriate.
Electrical Safety
 The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations1994
At the time of writing the law on electrical appliances requires only that they are in safe working order and that the landlord has exercised a "duty of care" No inspections by qualified personnel are yet required although it makes sound sense for landlords to get an electrical "health check".
If required we can arrange for an electrician to carry out such a check. At the very least a visual inspection of all sockets, switches and any exposed wiring should be done. Electrical heaters, especially bathroom heaters should be checked regularly.
Wherever possible manufacturers operating instruction booklets should be available for tenants to read.
We would also carry out a brief visual inspection when preparing an inventory and before allowing a tenant to take up residence, but this is not a substitute for a professional electrician's survey.
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