Our Advice

Landlord Hints & Tips

(Provided by Clyde & Tamar Lettings)

As a landlord, it’s essential to ensure your property is fully compliant with the latest legal requirements. Below, we’ve outlined key areas you must be aware of when letting your property in England. This guide is designed as a helpful overview—if you are in any doubt about your legal obligations, please seek further advice or contact our office for support.

1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

All properties marketed for rent must have a valid EPC rated E or above (some exemptions apply). The EPC must be available to prospective tenants before viewings or advertising. If you need an EPC, we can help arrange this for you.

2. Gas Safety

Legal requirement: Every gas appliance (including LPG heaters) in a rented property must be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

  • You must provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate to us and to your tenants before the tenancy starts, and renew it every 12 months.

  • We can arrange the annual inspection and handle certification for you.

3. Electrical Safety

Since 2020, landlords in England must ensure:

  • A full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is carried out by a qualified electrician at least every five years.

  • Any portable electrical appliances provided must be safe for tenant use; we recommend annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

  • A copy of the EICR must be supplied to both the tenant and the letting agent at the start of each tenancy, and within 28 days of the inspection.

4. Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety)

Any upholstered furniture or soft furnishings supplied must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).

  • Items must have a permanent safety label attached.

  • Keep purchase receipts in case a label is removed.

  • Bedding, carpets, curtains, and non-foam furniture made before 1950 are excluded from the regulations.

5. Oil & Solid Fuel Appliances

All oil or solid fuel appliances must be serviced and safety checked annually by a suitably qualified engineer. You must retain certificates or service records.

6. Smoke Alarms

It is now a legal requirement (since 2015) that:

  • At least one smoke alarm is installed on every floor of the property used as living accommodation.

  • Carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers), such as a boiler or wood burner.

  • We will check alarms at the start of each tenancy; tenants are responsible for regular testing and battery replacement thereafter.

7. Carbon Monoxide Alarms

As above, CO alarms are legally required in every room with a solid fuel appliance or gas boiler.

  • They should be installed according to manufacturer instructions, usually at head height and not adjacent to a window or door.

8. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

If your property is occupied by three or more unrelated people forming more than one household, it may require an HMO licence and must comply with additional safety and amenity standards.

  • The definition of an HMO and licensing requirements are complex and depend on the local authority—please speak to us for guidance or contact your council if unsure.

Important:
This guide is intended as a summary and does not cover every aspect of landlord legislation. Regulations are subject to change, and local authorities may have additional requirements. We strongly recommend you seek further advice or consult government sources if you are unsure about any legal obligations.

If you need support with any aspect of property compliance or wish to discuss your specific situation, please contact Clyde & Tamar Lettings. We’re here to help keep your let legal, safe, and successful.

[Clyde & Tamar Lettings]
Helping you stay compliant, confident, and informed.