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With the hazy days of summer long behind us and winter rapidly approaching, it's time to ensure that your buy-to-let property maintenance is wrapped up before the cold season is upon us.
As a landlord, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your gas and electrical heating equipment and appliances are safe - regardless of the time of year. If you fail to comply with your legal duties, you may find yourself uninsured if there is an incident at your property. This means that a tenant could sue you personally for compensation.
Gas and electricity legal 'MUSTS' for buy-to-let landlords
- Arrange for a Gas Safe registered installer to annually certify that the gas appliances and flues provided for tenants' use are safe and give a copy of the certificate to your tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and/or before any tenant occupies the property.
- Keep a record of all gas safety checks for two years.
- Maintain gas pipes, appliances and flues.
- Before re-letting a property, make sure all gas appliances are safe - including those left behind by a previous tenant.
- If using a managing agent, ensure the contract specifies whether the landlord or agent will arrange the gas maintenance and safety checks. N.B. As landlord, you have overall responsibility to meet your legal duties.
- Ensure all electrical equipment and appliances are safe and free from defects.
- Remove all unsafe electrical equipment and appliances.
- Keep records of all electrical checks performed.
Top tips for peace of mind
Although not legal requirements, it's good practice to do the points listed below.
- Ensure instruction booklets for gas and electrical appliances are available at your rental properties.
- Give safety warnings to your tenants.
- Purchase new, rather than second-hand, gas and electrical appliances.
- Use a qualified electrical engineer to check all electrical appliances.
Winter checklist
In addition to the legal duties and peace of mind tips mentioned above, it's also worth carrying out the following checks so that you and your tenants can enjoy a worry-free winter.
- Lag water pipes at risk of freezing and ensure tenants know how to switch off the water supply.
- Check that tenants know how to bleed a radiator. Supply a bleed key.
- Provide grit for pathways and drives to avoid falls in icy conditions.
- Supply candles and torches in case of power cuts.
- Clear guttering of leaves and other debris.
- Check pitched and flat roofs and make necessary repairs, replacing roof tiles and felt.
- Check that the security alarm is functioning.
- Provide spare bulbs for external and internal lights.
- Ensure you have all contact details for tradesmen: plumber, electrician, gas engineer, etc.
- Ensure you have adequate Landlord Insurance and that your tenants have contents cover.
Keeping on top of these maintenance issues should go some way to ensuring that you and your tenants have a warm and safe winter.
Related articles:
Attracting and keeping tenants
Legal tips for landlords
Dealing with problem tenants
General landlord information (DIY, Inventories and more..)
Energy-saving tips for landlords and tenants
Financial tips for landlords
Buying a buy-to-let property (auctions, location etc)
Insurance for landlords
Using letting agents
Mortgage information for landlords
The information contained within this article is for general information purposes only, it does not constitute advice. Direct Line for Business endeavours to keep the information up to date and correct but does not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Direct Line for Business will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.
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