Helpful Information
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Property Inventory and Check-in report
An Inventory is a written representation of a property, it’s fixtures and fittings and any furniture or appliances inside. It also reflects their condition and defects. This is essential if you are to have any comeback at the end of a tenancy for any wear and dear or damages that may have occurred.
For all inventories arranged through Paul Bott and Co we also offer an inclusive tenant check in service. We arrange for the tenant to be met at the property by a qualified check in clerk, who will have a copy of your report on I pad and the property keys to be handed over. The clerk will take the tenant through some basic housekeeping and guidelines for the property, giving some advice on avoiding damages and how to live in a rental property. The document is then read through by the clerk, room by room and agreed and signed off by the tenant. This means that at the end of the tenancy any claim that damages were there at the start would be unrealistic and easily discredited.
Check out report
At the end of the tenancy we advise you to carry out or arrange for a check out report to be produced. This is a final report for the current tenant. When they leave they will expect their deposit back and to help avoid any disputes we take them through the inventory that they signed agreed at the start of the tenancy when we checked them in.
Legal Requirements To Let
Energy Performance Certificate
It has been a legal requirement, since 1 October 2008, for all landlords to have a valid EPC for their property before it can be let. An EPC assesses the energy performance of a property, from “A” representing the most energy efficient property to “G” representing the least energy efficient property. It must be carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and will also show a building’s environmental impact by indicating its carbon dioxide emissions.
Gas Safety Certificate
A 12 monthly gas safety check must be carried out on every gas appliance/flue in order to rent out a property by a registered gas engineer. A gas safety check will make sure gas fittings and appliances are safe to use. Failure to have an up to date gas safety certificate can have serious implications on the tenancy including invalidating the landlord’s ability to issue notice to their tenant.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The government recently announced new regulations which come into force on 1 October 2015, requiring landlords to fit smoke alarms in all privately rented homes. The same regulations also require Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms to be fitted in all rooms where solid fuels are burnt. Landlords will also be required to check that alarms are working at the start of every ‘new tenancy’.
Right to Rent
From 1 February 2016, all private landlords in England will have to make right to rent checks. This means checking that tenants have the right to be in the UK.
Deposit Registration
By law, in England and Wales all landlords must protect their tenants’ deposit with a nominated government approved scheme within 30 days of a new tenancy commencing.
Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO’s)
Within Brighton and Hove “Houses of Multiple Occupancy” can be subject to two types of licencing; City Wide National Licencing and Additional Licencing for smaller HMO’s which is split into 12 wards.
In summary, if there are three or more unrelated persons renting, the property may require a HMO licence, as well as requiring inspection and approval from the local planning office. Changes will potentially need to be made with regard to layout and fire precautions. For more information we are happy to discuss and assist if required but recommend looking at the Brighton and Hove council website.
