Health and Safety Checks Landlords Must Carry Out

As a landlord, you have a responsibility to provide your tenants with a safe and secure rental property. We can help you create the ideal environment at your rental accommodation.

As a landlord, it is vital you ensure tenants are safe. The introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act this year has reinforced how crucial it is for landlords to offer a safe environment for tenants. If a landlord doesn’t offer a safe and suitable setting, tenants can sue landlords, with sizable penalties in place.

Therefore, it is vital landlords are aware of the health and safety requirements they must adhere to. We’ve helped many landlords in North London comply with health and safety requirements, and we look forward to assisting you.

Gas safety

There is a legal requirement for all gas equipment supplied by a landlord to be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. There is a need for an annual gas safety check to be carried out at the property, and when a tenant moves into rental accommodation, the landlord should offer them a copy of the gas safety certificate.

Electrical safety

If your rental property is an HMO, there is a need to obtain an electrical safety certificate, with an inspection taking place every five years. However, most landlords prefer to be more proactive when it comes to electrical safety with rental property.

Any appliances provided by a landlord, and the electrical system of the rental property, should be tested to make sure they are safe. The most effective way to achieve is to instruct a ‘Part-P’ qualified electrician to undertake tests. The electrical system should be reviewed every three to five years, and a PAT test on appliances should be undertaken annually.

Fire safety

It is important that a qualified person carries out a risk assessment on the rental property, and that a written record of this check is maintained. Savvy landlords will ensure a fire safety professional carries out this test.

If you supply any furniture in your rental property, the property must meet fire safety regulations. Confirmation of the item meeting this standard should be seen in a manufacturers’ label on the furniture.

Alarms

The law states there should be a working smoke alarm on every floor of the rental property, and this alarm should be tested at the beginning of the tenancy period. If there is a solid fuel burning appliance in a room, there should be a carbon monoxide alarm.

Clear escape routes & trip hazards

While these routes should be covered in the risk assessment, tenants may act in a manner that blocks these areas. It is important to review these paths during periodic visits, and for landlords to remind tenants of the need to keep these routes clear.

Harmful bacteria

There is a number of harmful bacteria which impacts on tenant’s health, with mould being a major risk. Landlords should ensure properties are properly ventilated, and should encourage tenants to maintain a standard of ventilation.

Landlords and tenants should be on the lookout for signs of mould, and should act swiftly if any is found.

If you are a landlord looking to let in North London, contact Ariston Property for support and guidance today.