First impressions really do make a huge difference and making a good impression to potential tenants is imperative in helping to achieve a successful let.
This can be as simple as a fresh lick of paint, de-cluttering rooms, tidying up the garden etc. We will provide advice and if required can recommend local trusted contractors to carry out work. There are several legal requirements that must be met to rent your property. These include:
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
All rental properties will require a valid EPC to commence marketing. This certificate provides tenants with an indication of how efficient the property is on a rating of A-G (A being the most efficient, G being the least) As a landlord you must also bear in mind that from 1st April 2018, it became a legal requirement for all rented properties to have an EPC rating of at least ‘E’, unless otherwise exempt. These reports are valid for 10 years.
Gas Safety Certificate
If there is a gas supply to the property, it is a legal requirement for landlords to have a certificate. This provides assurance that all gas appliances and supply points at the property are safe prior to the tenant moving in. This check must take place annually.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
All rental properties must ensure a smoke alarm has been fitted on each level of the property. As of October 2015, it is a legal requirement for all properties to be fitted with a Carbon monoxide detector in any room that contains an appliance which burns or is capable of burning solid fuel and is used partly or wholly as living accommodation.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and Portable Appliance Tests
It is a legal requirement for landlords to have an EICR carried out every 5 years to ensure any electrical installations are safe for tenants to use. We also recommend landlords to carry out an annual PAT test on appliances left in the property for tenants to use.
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