Landlord Compliance Requirements you may not know about

As a landlord, it is essential to stay compliant with all the laws and regulations related to renting out your property. However, there are some laws that may not be as well-known, and if you're not aware of them, it can lead to legal issues. That's where a letting agent comes in - they know all the little-known compliance laws that landlords may not be aware of, and can help keep you compliant. Here are a few examples of compliance laws that landlords may not be aware of, but a letting agent would know:

• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are mandatory for all rental properties. A letting agent will ensure that you have an EPC in place and provide a copy to your tenants and potential tenants before the start of a tenancy.

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are a legal requirement in all rental properties. A letting agent will make sure that the alarms are installed and maintained, and also check that they are in working order at the start of each tenancy.

• The Right to Rent scheme is a government initiative that requires landlords to check the immigration status of their tenants. A letting agent will take care of this process for you, ensuring that you are compliant with the law.

• The Tenant Fees Act limits the amount of money that landlords and agents can charge tenants for certain services such as referencing and inventory checks. A letting agent will be aware of these limits and ensure that you are not overcharging your tenants.

• The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires landlords to ensure that their properties are fit for human habitation at the start of a tenancy. A letting agent will ensure that your property is free from hazards, has adequate heating and hot water, and is in a good state of repair.

If you're not aware of these laws, it's easy to accidentally break them. A letting agent will keep you informed of any changes to the laws and ensure that all necessary checks and inspections are carried out. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your property is compliant and that you're not at risk of legal issues.