To stay compliant as a landlord in Bristol, you need to meet several legal obligations. Here’s a checklist with practical details on when to act and how long certificates remain valid. Front Door Lettings are committed to helping ensure landlords stay compliant and provide high quality housing for tenants.
If you’re need help, or want to find out more about having a Bristol letting agent manage your property, please reach out to see how we can help.
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Requirement: Properties must have an EPC rating of E or higher. Provide a copy to the tenant before signing the tenancy agreement. This could be set to change to a minimum of a C, but for now (end of 2024) it’s still a E.
- Validity: 10 years.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines up to £5,000 and inability to serve notice for vacant possession.
- Cost: Budget £100 for a 2 bedroom flat.
2. Right to Rent Checks
- Requirement: Verify all adult tenants’ legal right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts.
- When Needed: Completed before move-in day.
- Validity: Ongoing for the tenancy unless visa/residency expires, requiring follow-up.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines up to £3,000 per tenant.
- Cost: Depending on the provider used and depth of the checks, it’s up to £25 per person.
3. Gas Safety Certificate
- Requirement: Annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure all gas appliances and installations are safe.
- When Needed: Provide a copy to tenants before they move in and within 28 days of each annual renewal.
- Validity: 1 year.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Unlimited fines and/or up to six months’ imprisonment; inability to serve notice for vacant possession.
- Cost: Budget £100 for a 2 appliance check (boiler and gas stove).
4. ‘How to Rent’ Guide
- Requirement: Supply tenants with the latest version of this government-issued guide.
- When Needed: Provide it before or at the start of the tenancy.
- Validity: Only valid if the latest version is supplied.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Inability to serve notice for vacant possession.
- Cost: Free, download your guide here.
5. Fire Safety
- Requirement: Smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor, and carbon monoxide alarms installed near solid fuel-burning appliances.
- When Needed: Alarms must be in place and tested on the day tenants move in.
- Validity: Ongoing, with regular checks (recommended monthly).
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines up to £5,000.
6. Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
- Requirement: Obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for fixed wiring to confirm it’s safe.
- When Needed: Provide a copy to tenants before move-in or within 28 days of inspection.
- Validity: 5 years.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines up to £30,000.
- Cost: Budget around £100 for a 2 bedroom flat.
7. Property Licensing
- Requirement: Apply for the appropriate property license if your property is an HMO or in a selective licensing area.
- When Needed: Obtain a license before letting the property.
- Validity: Typically, 5 years (varies by local authority).
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Rent repayment orders for up to 12 months’ rent and inability to serve notice for vacant possession.
- Cost: Varies on council, ward within and licence required.
8. Deposit Protection
- Requirement: Secure the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme and provide prescribed information.
- When Needed: Deposit must be protected within 30 days of receipt.
- Validity: Ongoing until the end of the tenancy.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines up to three times the deposit amount and inability to serve notice for vacant possession.
- Cost: Use a custodial scheme with TDS or DPS and it’s free to use for landlords.
9. Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Requirement: Ensure the property is free from hazards, with proper heating, ventilation, and structural safety.
- When Needed: Compliance must be ensured before tenants move in.
- Validity: Ongoing, with inspections as required.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines up to £30,000.
10. Tenancy Agreement
- Requirement: A valid tenancy agreement must be signed by both landlord and tenant, outlining terms and responsibilities.
- When Needed: In place before the tenancy begins.
- Validity: For the term of the agreement or until updated.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Challenges in enforcing tenant responsibilities or obtaining vacant possession.
- Cost: A good AST can be found online from OpenRent who keep their version of the contract updated to the latest requirements.
Recent Legislative Updates
- Renters’ Reform Bill (2024): Abolishes ‘no-fault’ evictions and restricts rent increases.
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (2025): EPC minimum raised to C for new tenancies.
- Fire Safety Enhancements (2023): Mandatory carbon monoxide alarms extended to all fixed combustion appliances.
By following this checklist and staying informed about updates, you ensure legal compliance while protecting your investment and your tenants. Please double check with your local authority on things like licensing, but Front Door Lettings are here to help landlords stay compliant and will help and guide on getting homes compliant if they’ve fallen out of compliance. With a network of contractors across the city and beyond, we can help you and your property stay compliant, secure and of a high standard.
