A Comprehensive Guide to Regular Maintenance for Rental Properties in the UK
Posted on 27th September 2023
As a landlord, it's crucial to keep your rental properties in good shape.
Not only does it keep your tenants happy and your property value high, but it also helps you stay on the right side of the law.
This includes ensuring regular maintenance and updates for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), and gas safety records.
In this blog post, we'll explore how often these need updating, recommended routine maintenance, and emergency situations that require immediate attention.
Legally Required Updates: EPC, EICR, and Gas Safety Records
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information about a property's energy use and typical energy costs. In the UK, an EPC is valid for ten years.
However, you only need to get a new one if you're setting up a new tenancy agreement or selling your property.
Changes to EPC regulations mean that properties will soon need a rating of A-C, potentially coming into force by 2028.
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
In England, landlords are required to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every 5 years.
Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.
Gas Safety Records
Landlords are legally required to maintain gas appliances and flues annually and provide tenants with an annual gas safety record.
This ensures that all gas appliances, pipes, and flues are safe to use and operate correctly.
Regular Maintenance for Rental Properties
Regular maintenance goes beyond legal requirements.
It helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and ensures your property remains attractive to current and prospective tenants. Here are some areas you should pay attention to:
Plumbing: Regularly check for leaks and blockages. Small leaks can lead to significant water damage over time.
Roofing and Gutters: Inspect your roof and gutters regularly, especially after bad weather. A damaged roof can lead to leaks, while blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and damage the property.
Pest Control: If unchecked, pests can cause considerable damage. Regular checks and preventative measures can help keep them at bay.
Heating Systems: Regular servicing of heating systems ensures they run efficiently and safely. This can be done annually.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: These should be checked regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Dealing with Emergencies
Certain situations require immediate attention, including:
Burst water pipes
Gas leaks
Broken locks
Electrical failure
Structural damage after a storm
In these cases, it's crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your tenants.
The Role of a Letting Agent
A letting agent can be a valuable partner in maintaining your rental property.
They can handle everything from arranging routine maintenance to dealing with emergencies.
Letting agents can also ensure compliance with legal requirements, such as obtaining and updating EPCs, EICRs, and gas safety records, thus taking a lot of the stress off your shoulders.
In conclusion, regular maintenance and staying on top of legally required updates is key to managing a successful rental property in the UK.
Whether you choose to handle it yourself or enlist the help of a letting agent, keeping your property in good condition is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
For any further advice please contact us, we are more than happy to help!
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