As a landlord or property manager, ensuring that your property is safe, compliant, and appealing to potential tenants is paramount. Essential property assessments not only help in maintaining the property’s value but also ensure the safety and satisfaction of tenants. Here’s a complete guide to the key assessments every landlord should prioritise, from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms.
1. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
What is an EPC? An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides a rating of a property’s energy efficiency and environmental impact, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also includes recommendations on how to improve the property’s energy efficiency.
Why is it Important? EPCs are legally required whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. They help prospective tenants understand the energy costs associated with the property and provide landlords with guidelines for making improvements.
How to Obtain an EPC:
- Hire a certified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).
- The assessor will visit the property, evaluate its energy efficiency, and produce the EPC.
- Implement the recommended improvements to enhance the property’s rating and appeal.
2. Gas Safety Checks
What is a Gas Safety Check? A gas safety check involves inspecting all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in a property to ensure they are safe and functioning properly. This must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Why is it Important? Gas safety checks are legally required annually. They prevent gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other gas-related hazards, ensuring tenant safety and compliance with the law.
How to Conduct a Gas Safety Check:
- Schedule an annual check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Ensure all appliances are checked, including boilers, gas cookers, and heaters.
- Keep a record of the Gas Safety Certificate and provide a copy to your tenants.
3. Electrical Safety Inspections
What is an Electrical Safety Inspection? An electrical safety inspection involves checking the condition of all electrical installations and equipment in the property to ensure they are safe and comply with current standards.
Why is it Important? Electrical safety inspections help prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other hazards. Landlords must ensure the property’s electrical system is safe at the start of each tenancy and maintained throughout.
How to Conduct an Electrical Safety Inspection:
- Hire a qualified electrician to perform the inspection.
- Ensure the inspection includes wiring, outlets, switches, and appliances.
- Obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and address any issues identified.
4. Fire Safety and Smoke Alarms
What is Fire Safety Assessment? A fire safety assessment evaluates the property’s fire risks and ensures that all necessary precautions are in place to prevent fires and protect tenants.
Why is it Important? Fire safety assessments are crucial for preventing fires and ensuring a quick response if one occurs. Regulations require landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor and ensure they are functioning at the start of each tenancy.
How to Ensure Fire Safety:
- Install smoke alarms on every floor of the property.
- Regularly test and maintain smoke alarms to ensure they are operational.
- Provide fire extinguishers and fire blankets as needed, especially in kitchens.
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
What is a CO Alarm? A carbon monoxide alarm detects the presence of carbon monoxide gas, which is colourless, odourless, and potentially deadly if inhaled in large quantities.
Why is it Important? CO alarms are legally required in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. They protect tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can result from faulty heating systems or blocked chimneys.
How to Install and Maintain CO Alarms:
- Install CO alarms in all rooms with solid fuel appliances.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for installation and maintenance.
- Regularly test the alarms to ensure they are functioning correctly.
6. Legionella Risk Assessments
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment? A Legionella risk assessment identifies and manages the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
Why is it Important? Landlords are legally required to assess and manage the risk of Legionella. This ensures the safety of tenants and prevents potential outbreaks of the disease.
How to Conduct a Legionella Risk Assessment:
- Hire a qualified professional to perform the assessment.
- Inspect water systems, including tanks, taps, and showers.
- Implement control measures, such as regular cleaning and temperature control.
7. Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
What is HHSRS? The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a risk-based evaluation tool used to assess potential hazards in residential properties that could affect the health and safety of tenants.
Why is it Important? HHSRS assessments ensure that properties are safe and habitable, identifying risks such as damp, mould, and structural issues. It helps landlords maintain high standards of living conditions for tenants.
How to Conduct an HHSRS Assessment:
- Familiarise yourself with the HHSRS guidelines.
- Regularly inspect the property for hazards.
- Address any identified issues promptly to ensure the property remains safe and compliant.
Conclusion
Essential property assessments, from EPCs to CO alarms, are critical for ensuring the safety, compliance, and attractiveness of rental properties. By staying on top of these assessments, landlords can protect their investments, provide safe living environments for tenants, and avoid legal issues. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance are key to successful property management and tenant satisfaction. Stay informed, stay compliant, and your property will thrive in the competitive rental market.
For landlords, there are seemingly endless responsibilities to keep track of. Every self-respecting landlord wants to provide safe and comfortable homes for their tenants, but it can be difficult to stay on top of changing developments.
One such responsibility that’s vital to stick to is getting an EPC for your property. The EPC is a certificate to ensure the sufficiency of a buildings energy performance and is required for all properties being put on the market to sell or rent.
We know it can be tricky navigating complex requirements and laws. That’s why we’ve put together this information on landlord EPC obligations.
So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about EPC for landlords, all in one place.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
Put simply, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is. Factors such as carbon dioxide emissions and heating costs are taken into consideration to give the property an EPC rating.
An EPC is required every time a property is put up for sale or rent.
Introduced in 2008 as part of the Home Information Packs (HIPs), the EPC aims to give potential buyers and tenants clearer information on the energy efficiency of their building.
As well as rating the building for its current efficiency, the EPC also gives suggestions for improving energy use and will provide a predicted rating for when these are implemented.
Energy Efficiency Rating
The energy efficiency of your property is given a rating between A and G, with A being very efficient and G being inefficient. An older property without double glazing or proper insulation is more likely to get a lower rating than a new build.
The property will also be given a number between 1-100. The higher the number, the more efficient the building is and the more cost-effective energy bills are.
The EPC will also provide estimated energy costs for heating, lighting and water bills. As well as advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your property. From installing better quality wall insulation to something as simple as switching to energy efficient light bulbs, there are many ways to make your property greener.
What’s the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for Landlords?
As from April 2018, landlords in the private rented sector need a minimum rating of E for their rental properties. Failure to meet this standard could result in fines so must be avoided at all costs!
Tenants have the right to make improvements to the energy efficiency of the property, with the permission of the landlord.
From April 2020, these regulations will also apply to all ongoing assured tenancies in existence.
For more information on landlord requirements consult the government web page.
Which Properties Need an EPC?
Every domestic and commercial building in England and Wales must have an EPC. If you are leasing a property, you must have ordered the EPC before the property goes on the market.
The only types of buildings that are exempt include some listed buildings and residential buildings or rented holiday accommodation which are in use for less than four months a year. A room rented out by a residential landlord is also let off the hook.
The EPC must be shown to potential tenants and a copy supplied free of cost. Make sure you don’t get caught out!
How Long is the Energy Performance Certificate Valid for?
An EPC is valid for 10 years from when it’s completed. If the property holds an EPC from an existing tenancy, it’s fine as long as it’s within this period.
How to Get an EPC
As a responsible landlord, you must only use an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor when acquiring the EPC for your property.
To find a list of approved EPC organisations in the UK, check the energy performance certificate register.
What does the Energy Performance Certificate Cost?
An important question for landlords! Unfortunately, there is no fixed rate for EPC’s currently, however prices usually start at £35. Factors such as the size of the property, the type of property, how many bedrooms it has and its location are all taken into consideration.
Therefore EPC’s for larger homes in desirable locations are likely to cost more.
EPC’s and Feed in Tariffs
If your property has solar PV and you want to receive payments from the government’s feed in tariff (FIT) you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable EPC rating.
The Benefits of Having an EPC
It may sound like a bit of a hassle, but there are actually some benefits to getting a CPE for your property.
For one thing, having an EPC means you can feel safe in the knowledge that your property is within the required energy efficiency standards. That’s one less thing to worry about.
Another advantage, is that by periodically checking your property’s energy efficiency, it will be easier to save money on energy bills for your tenants. The EPC will also help you to plan for future costs with its breakdown of energy expenditures. For landlords managing multiple properties this will be particularly helpful.
Recent Changes to the EPC
From 1st April, 2019, the ‘no cost to the landlord’ exemption will no longer apply and landlords will be required to pay up to £3,500 on works to increase their property’s rating up to an E. If costs exceed this figure, landlords will be allowed to register for a ‘high cost’ exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register provided they give significant evidence.
This is a significant change that landlords in the private rental sector need to stay on top of.
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With all these obligations to wrap your head around, it’s worth delegating some tasks to make the process of organising a new tenancy that bit simpler.
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