Landlord obligations

A landlord who leases a property must adhere to various responsibilities.

These encompass the following obligations:

• Ensuring rental properties are secure and devoid of health risks;
• Confirming the safe installation and maintenance of gas and electrical equipment;
• Supplying an Energy Performance Certificate for the property;
• Securing the tenant’s deposit within a government-approved scheme;
• Verifying the tenant’s eligibility to rent the property if located in England; and
• Providing the tenant with a copy of the How to Rent checklist upon commencement of the lease (this can be emailed).

Distinct regulations apply to landlords in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Additional requirements pertain to fire safety, health and safety inspections, financial responsibilities, and specific rules for regulated tenancies (typically private tenancies initiated prior to 15 January 1989).