Legal requirements for landlords in london

Tenancy Agreement

Ensure a written tenancy agreement is in place before the tenancy begins.

Include all necessary details such as rent amount, deposit protection information, and tenancy duration.

Provide a copy of the agreement to the tenant within 28 days of the tenancy start date.

Review the agreement periodically to ensure it remains up to date and compliant with current regulations.

Gas Safety

Arrange annual gas safety checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Provide tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of the check.

Keep records of gas safety checks for at least 2 years.

Display a copy of the certificate in a prominent location within the rental property.

Electrical Safety

Ensure that the electrical installation in the rental property is safe and in good working order.

Consider conducting periodic electrical inspections by a qualified electrician.

Provide tenants with a copy of the electrical safety report if requested.

Keep records of electrical inspections for at least 5 years.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Obtain a valid EPC for the property before advertising it for rent.

Display the EPC rating in all property advertisements.

Provide tenants with a copy of the EPC free of charge.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Install smoke alarms on each floor of the rental property.

Ensure smoke alarms are in proper working order at the beginning of each tenancy.

Install carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.

Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed.

Right to Rent Checks

Verify the immigration status of all prospective tenants aged 18 or over.

Keep copies of the required documents and records for at least 1 year after the tenancy ends.

Comply with the Home Office's guidance on conducting right to rent checks.

Deposit Protection

Protect the tenant's deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.

Provide the tenant with prescribed information regarding the deposit protection within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

Ensure that the deposit is returned to the tenant within the specified timeframe at the end of the tenancy.

Repairs and Maintenance

Maintain the property in a good state of repair and ensure it meets all health and safety requirements.

Respond to repair requests promptly and carry out necessary repairs in a reasonable timeframe.

Keep records of repairs and maintenance carried out on the property.

Licensing and Additional Requirements

Check if your property requires a mandatory licensing scheme such as selective licensing or HMO licensing.

Comply with any additional requirements specific to the licensing scheme applicable to your property.

Keep records of any licenses obtained and ensure they remain valid and up to date.

Note: This checklist provides a general overview of legal requirements for landlords in London and should not be considered exhaustive. It is advisable to seek professional legal advice to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.