If a property is leasehold, permission to let may be required from the freeholder. In order to establish this information, the title deeds and original head lease need to be checked. If in doubt, the managing agent should be contacted for the information.

Landlords must notify their insurance company so that they can be advised of any additional cover that is required. Failure to do so may result in a policy being void. Millsopps Lettings require a copy of the insurance policy before a let can proceed.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require that Landlords have property electrics checked at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person. The electrics must meet standards and Landlords must give their tenants proof of this. We can assist with the arrangement of the certification.

These regulations came into force in 1994 to insure that gas appliances are safely installed and maintained, to avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is the responsibility of the Landlord to ensure that all gas appliances and gas installation pipe work owned by them are checked for safety at least once a year by a GAS SAFE plumber. In addition, accurate records of the safety inspections and any work carried out must be kept. A current safety certificate must always be available for the Tenant prior to them taking occupation of a property.

Faulty equipment can lead to death and a conviction of unlawful killing on a Landlord. Under the regulations, any appliance that does not conform can be disconnected.

Legislation introduced in 1994 imposes an obligation on Landlords to ensure that all electrical appliances within the let property are safe. Cabling, fuses and plugs should also be inspected and, as necessary, replaced to ensure the correct rating for that appliance. Other legislation covering electrical installations is currently in force and we strongly recommend that all appliances are regularly checked and serviced.

Private sector Landlords will be required from 1 October 2015 to ensure that at least one smoke alarm is installed on every storey of their rented property and that a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance. They also require Landlords to ensure that such alarms are in proper working order at the start of each new tenancy. In addition, the regulations amend the conditions which must be included in a licence under Part 2 or 3 of the Housing Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”) in respect of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Whilst your property is rented, the Tenant is responsible for paying Council Tax. The Landlord is responsible for paying it between tenancies whilst the property is vacant. Any further queries related to this should be directed to your local council tax office: http://www.direct.gov.uk/