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  • Jul
    17
    2021

What Rules and Regulations Are Exeter and Topsham Landlords Falling Foul of the Most?

What Rules and Regulations Are Exeter and Topsham Landlords Falling Foul of the Most?

In this three-minute read, we take a look at the most common rules and regulations that Exeter and Topsham landlords need to remember.

Being a landlord can be a tricky business. There are nearly 200 different pieces of legislation covering the ‘how, why and when’ of managing your rental property. Here’s just four that landlords are often not getting quite right.

Deposit Protection

The 2021 UK Landlord Survey found that 81% of landlords find registering their deposit difficult.

The deposit must be registered with a Deposit Protection Scheme within thirty days of receiving cleared funds. The schemes are government-approved and the tenant must be informed and provided details of where the money is deposited.

Energy Performance Certificates

Every rental property has to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which is stored on a publicly available electronic register and which must be included in any advertising you do for your property.

Electrical Safety Regulations

In June 2020, strict rules about electrical testing for new tenancies in rental properties came into force. Inspections must be carried out at least every five years by a professional with an industry-recognised apprenticeship, or Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings.

Any issues have to be resolved and the tenant must receive a copy of the inspection report within twenty eight days. Since 1 April 2021, it also came into force for existing tenancies.

Gas Safety Check Regulations

If you have gas going in to your rental property, all appliances, pipework, and flues must be checked annually.

As with the electrical safety tests, ensure that you use a qualified engineer and don’t plump for the cheapest. The report must also be given to the tenant within twenty eight days.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: As with any time you need to visit, or arrange a visit to the property, make sure you give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice. Keep a record of having given notice. If the tenant refuses access, you will have then have evidence that you tried.

If you are a landlord in Exeter or Topsham and are not 100% sure on all the rules and regulations you need to abide by, get in touch with us at Wilkinson Grant & Co. on 01392 455920 or email lettings@wilkinsongrant.co.uk and let us know when it would be convenient to call. A free, no-obligation chat will show you what you might need to tweak or if you’re on the right track.