Inspections
It is critical to ensure the landlord/agent keeps a regular eye on the property, and especially get the tenant(s) to inform them of any problems. This will hopefully stop any minor problems becoming major.
It is also important to remember that access to the property is only with the tenants consent, it is critical not to abuse this consent. Whilst the law states that access can be gained after giving a 24 hour written notice of access, if the tenant refuses access the landlord cannot enter the property.
The best way of gaining access is to have a clause in the tenancy agreement stating that regular inspections will be carried out. Then the landlord/agent can contact the tenant stating that the next inspection will be at time on date, and that the tenant can be present if required, but doesn’t have to be. Unless the tenant responds to state that access is refused it will be OK to enter.
Recommended intervals for inspections are within the first week, to ensure all is OK, and that the tenant has understood all the instruction upon check-in. After that it is probably best to arrange quarterly visits in the first year; perhaps 6 monthly thereafter.
The critical thing is to retain good communications with the tenant(s).
- Occupancy Compliance:
- Tenancy Numbers: Check the occupants match those agreed, as over occupancy, or subletting are likely to result is issues including HMO licensing and insurance.
- Right to Rent Check: Review checks for tenants who do not have a permanent right to remain.
- Property Safety & Habitation:
- Gas Safety Cert: Annually (by Gas Safe engineer).
- Electrical Safety Check: Every 5 years (EICR, qualified electrician).
- Smoke/CO Alarms: Must be working at tenancy start; regular testing advised.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): Every 10 years. It is expected that minimum permitted EPC requirements will change to EPC of C or better between 2028 and 2030.
- Fitness for Human Habitation (Homes Act 2018): Ongoing duty to keep property safe/free from serious hazards.
- Records & Documentation:
- Keep records of all certificates (Gas, Electrical, EPC) and deposit scheme paperwork.
- Rent & Finance:
- Collect rent on time as per agreement.
- If rent is late or not paid in full, contact the tenant to get an explanation and agree how and by when they will bring it up to date and what steps they will take to avoid it happening again. Follow up with a written summary of what is agreed.
- Rent increases are only permitted annually using a Section 13 notice (Form 4) to, providing at least two months’ written notice (from May 2026), stating the new rent, start date, and ensuring it reflects market rates for periodic tenancies. Tenants can challenge the increase at a tribunal if they disagree. ,
- Repairs & Maintenance:
- Maintain structure, exterior, heating, plumbing, electrical systems (major repairs are landlord’s responsibility).
- Respond promptly to repair requests.
- The Renters Rights Act will bring additional requirements, including the Decent Homes Standard and Awaabs Law
