It is now officially winter and it’s time to ensure that your buy-to-let property maintenance is wrapped up before the cold season really sets in.
No matter what time of year, as a landlord, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your gas and electrical heating equipment and appliances are safe.
Failing to comply may result in you yourself uninsured if there is an incident at your property. This means that a tenant could sue you personally for compensation.
Gas and electricity “To DO List” for landlords
- Keep a record of all gas safety checks for two years.
- Maintain gas pipes, appliances and flues.
- Arrange for a Gas Safe registered installer to annually certify that the gas appliances and flues provided for tenants’ use are safe and give a copy of the certificate to your tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and/or before any tenant occupies the property.
- Before re-letting a property, make sure all gas appliances are safe – including those left behind by a previous tenant.
- If using a managing agent, ensure the contract specifies whether the landlord or agent will arrange the gas maintenance and safety checks. N.B. As landlord, it is YOU that has overall responsibility to meet your legal duties.
- Ensure all electrical equipment and appliances are safe and free from defects.
- Remove all unsafe electrical equipment and appliances.
- Keep records of all electrical checks performed.
There are also a few other points that we here at Landlord Support believe will help set your mind at rest…
- Ensure tenants know how to switch off the water supply and Lag water pipes at risk of freezing.
- Check that tenants know how to bleed a radiator. Supply a bleed key.
- Clear guttering of leaves and other debris.
- Check pitched and flat roofs and make necessary repairs, replacing roof tiles and felt.
- Ensure you have all contact details for tradesmen: plumber, electrician, gas engineer, etc.
- Ensure you have adequate landlord insurance and that your tenants have contents cover.
Prevention is ALWAYS better than Cure…
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