Coventry has always been a popular city for Landlords due to its 2 universities (Coventry University & Warwick University), excellent transport links and a diverse selection of businesses among many things. Becoming a landlord can be a stressful experience should you not have the right support and guidance behind you and this is where Pure Properties are able to help and assist.
There are many legal requirements that have to be adhered to when letting a property. We will ensure that you are aware of these obligations and can help you comply with all current relevant legislation.
- Gas Safety – (Installations and Use) Regulations 1994 (amended 1996 and 1998). When you rent out a property, it is your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances contained within the property (including gas installation pipework) are safe for use by any incoming tenant. The tenant must be given a record that shows a gas safety check has been carried out at the property by a registered gas safety engineer. The purpose of this is to safeguard and protect against the risk of potential carbon monoxide poisoning and ensuring the wellbeing of the tenant and property. This can be arranged by us to save you time and hassle through our dedicated Gas Safe Registered engineer.
- Smoke Alarms – In Scotland any property that is rented out must have a smoke alarm present before the tenant takes occupancy. The law in England and Wales is that any property built after June 1992 should have a mains connected smoke alarm as per Building Regulations. Properties built prior to this date should have battery operated smoke alarms as a minimum
- Electrical Equipment – If you choose to leave electrical equipment for a tenants use when letting a property it is your responsibility to ensure it is safe and has no risk of causing injury to your tenant. Manufacturers have to provide CE marking on packaging to confirm that the appliance has been tested and is safe under current regulations. Once the appliance is over 12 months old the easiest and best way to ensure it is in safe working order is to have a qualified NICEIC registered electrician carry out a portable appliance test (also known as a PAT test). This test is renewable annually and as with the gas safety certificate, can be arranged by Pure Properties on your behalf.
- Money Laundering Regulations – Prior to letting your property we have a duty to know who you are and that you are the legal owner of the property. By doing this we comply with the Money Laundering Regulations. Once you have instructed us to market your property, you will be asked to provide two forms of identification. Either a current passport/driving license showing your name and photograph and a utility bill (gas, electric, land line phone, council tax bill etc). Whichever bill you choose must be from within the last 3 months. If we cannot within a reasonable period establish your identity than we are unable to work on your behalf as per the regulations.
- Consent to Let – If the property has a mortgage on it, you must obtain consent from the mortgage lender prior to a tenant taking occupancy. If the property is leasehold you should check the lease as you may be required to obtain consent from the landlord prior to sub-letting.
- Energy Performance Certificate – Government legislation enforced from 1st October 2008 requires all rental properties with a new tenancy to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This shows prospective tenants how energy efficient your property is and if you have invested in energy saving methods, will make your property stand out from competition. An EPC can only be carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Should you not have an EPC on your rental property you could be liable for a £200 fine for non-compliance. Pure Properties has links with many reputable DEAs in the Coventry area and are more than happy to assist you in gaining a certificate.
For further information on your legal requirements as a landlord please click here.
