Landlords! Do you know your EPC from your EICR?
EPC? EICR? GSI? There's lots of safety and legislative requirements when letting a property. Find out more here
It seems every year there is update to safety and legislative requirements for landlords. Each one is just as important as the other, not just for your tenants safety but also to make sure you stand on the right side of the law. Below are some key items to consider.
EPC (Energy performance certificate) - An EPC measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G. They are a legal requirement for a property to be sold or let. All rental properties must currently score a minimum E rating in order to be let out. The government have proposed all rental properties will need to rate C or higher by 2025.
It is very important that tenants are given a copy of the EPC when they move in, failure to do so means you WON'T be able to serve a section 21 notice.
An EPC last for 10 years.
GSI (Gas safety inspection) - All gas appliances within your property must be checked every 12 months by a 'Gas Safe' registered engineer. Being unable to provide a valid gas safety certificate is a criminal offence and landlords can be liable for unlimited fines or even imprisonment! Under the Deregulation Act 2015 and as with EPC's , a copy of the valid gas safety certificate must be given to tenants when they begin their tenancy.
More info here > https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas-safety/renting-a-property/landlord-gas-responsibilities/
EICR (Electrical installation condition report) - An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is used to identify defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions which may indicate potential danger, as well as providing recommendations for improvement within a given property.
Your report will either score 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' , if you report is deemed unsatisfactory then the engineer will lay out what is required in order to bring the property up to standard. You will have 28 days in order to have the remedial works carried out.
Local authorities can impose fines of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of their duties.
An EICR is valid for 5 years.
PAT (Portable appliance test) - Details safety testing of only portable electrical appliances e.g. fridge/freezer, washing machine, toaster. It is NOT a legal requirement but is considered best practice.
Landlord Licensing - Most London boroughs now operate some form of landlord licensing. Each borough has slightly different criteria and limitations > You can check the requirements for each borough by visiting > https://www.londonpropertylicensing.co.uk/
The above are just some of the important things to consider when letting a property.
If instructed, Lloyds Estate Agents will ensure all the required safety certificates are in place and served correctly to your tenants when their tenancy begins. For managed clients we will also ensure that safety certificates are renewed when necessary.
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