If you are letting a property to tenants, you must keep the property safe and free from health hazards for the occupants. The Government’s regulations are clear, and they require time and investment to make sure your property is up to scratch:

Gas

You must make sure all gas equipment is safely installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and have a registered engineer do an annual gas safety on each appliance and flue. You must give your tenants a copy of the gas safety check record before they move in, or within 28 days of the check.

Electrical

You must make sure the property’s electrical system is safe, e.g. sockets and light fittings are working as they should and all appliances installed in the property are safe for use, e.g. cookers and kettles.

Fire

You must follow safety regulations, providing a working smoke alarm on each floor and a working carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a usable fireplace or woodburner.  Tenants must have access to escape routes at all times, and you must make sure the furniture and furnishings supplied with the property are fire safe. If the house is a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) you must provide fire alarms and fire extinguishers.