As we have reported on before, many private individuals have invested in buy-to-let property as an alternative to investing their money in a private pension. The buyer lets out the property hoping that the rent will pay off the mortgage and eventually the property owner will have an income generating, mortgage free asset.
There are a number of obligations imposed on residential landlords and it is important for property owners to ensure that they do not fall foul of these requirements.
We reported in an earlier newsletter about the introduction on 1 February 2016 of the right to reside checks, that it is necessary for landlords to carry out on prospective tenants.
Under Building Regulations Part B, it has been a legal requirement to have a mains operated smoke detector on each level of a house since 1992. There should be no need for action in relation to properties built before that sate because smoke detectors should have been installed at the time of construction. For older properties, battery powered smoke detectors are acceptable but must be regularly checked.
There is now an obligation on landlords to ensure that all residential let properties have a carbon monoxide detector in any room where there can be an open fire or there is an alternative fuel sources.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also recently issued reminders to landlords on their obligations relating to legionella which is a bacterium that can occur in hot and cold water systems. Legionnaire's disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacterium. The HSE advises landlords to carry out risk assessments to establish the risks and to ensure that tenants take practical steps to assist. Their guidance is at http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-landlords-responsibilities.htm
Most landlords will take accountancy advice in relation to their rental income but it is clear that it is increasingly important for landlords to take regular legal advice to ensure that they are continuing to meet the ever increasing responsibilities imposed upon them.
To discuss this or any other landlord and tenant related issue, contact us.