In the penultimate blog in our series, we help you with ‘how’ to make your buy-to-let investment a success.

Once you’ve made it through the purchase process, if you want to get it right as as a landlord – without facing hefty fines, or even imprisonment – you’ll need a range of safety and environmental documents in place before the property is legally ready for tenant occupation.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Currently, a rental property must have an EPC rating of E or above. This is due to be amended further in the coming years. Whilst exemptions can apply, there are still cost implications, as well as strict criteria to adhere to before this can be issued. An EPC is valid for ten years, and should be provided to tenants upon move-in.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

You’ll need a Gas Safety certificate for each gas appliance in the home. Checks must be carried out on a yearly basis, by a registered Gas Safe engineer, with a copy of the certificate provided to tenants.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Similar to the above, you’re required to have a ‘satisfactory’ EICR for electricals. Inspections are to be carried out by a qualified person a maximum of every five years, with reports supplied to tenants.

Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

The HHSRS is an assessment of individual hazards in a home that could affect health. It’s conducted by an environmental health officer from the local council, often at a tenant’s request. Potential hazards may include damp, asbestos, noise levels, drainage, and structural issues.

Legionella Risk Assessment

Legionnaires is a potentially fatal disease caused by inhalation of Legionella-contaminated water. Although there’s no certificate as such required, you must prove that a risk assessment has taken place, ideally by a professional. This is to be reviewed periodically, or after any changes to water systems.

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Landlords letting themselves, without using an agent, need to be registered with the ICO. If you’re processing personal data, such as names and address, you must conform with their requirements on data protection, and pay a fee.

Notice Periods

When ending a tenancy, it’s important to understand the laws around notice periods. The period differs depending on why notice is being served, and how to serve the notice also varies. Using an agent for the management means that they’ll be able to decipher between a Section 21 or a Section 8 for example, and serve tenants appropriately.

For information on any of these ever-changing regulations, or to discuss how we can help you keep on top of landlord law, contact us on 01525 40 22 66 or email ampthill@orchards.co.uk.