Landlord compliance
Protecting your property. Meeting your responsibilities.
At Sable and Stone Real Estate, we understand that professional property ownership requires more than achieving the right rental return. Landlords must also ensure that their properties, tenancies and management arrangements meet the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to their circumstances.
We take a structured and considered approach to landlord compliance, helping clients understand the areas that require attention and, where our management service includes these responsibilities, coordinating the relevant documentation, inspections and professional contractors.
A proactive approach to compliance
Requirements can vary according to the property, location, tenancy and circumstances. Depending on the property, landlords may need to consider:
Gas Safety
Where gas appliances or installations are present, the appropriate safety checks and certification must be maintained in accordance with applicable requirements.
Electrical Safety
Private rented properties are subject to electrical safety requirements, including inspection and testing at prescribed intervals where applicable.
Energy Performance
An appropriate Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) may be required before a property is marketed or let, subject to applicable exemptions and requirements.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Required alarms must be appropriately installed and maintained where the relevant regulations apply.
Deposit Protection
Where a tenancy deposit is taken, applicable deposit protection and prescribed information requirements must be followed.
Right to Rent
For residential properties in England, appropriate Right to Rent checks must be completed in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Property Licensing
Certain properties may require a licence, including some Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), properties subject to selective licensing or other local authority schemes.
Repairs and Property Condition
Landlords have responsibilities relating to the safety, repair and condition of rented premises.
Documentation and records
Good compliance depends on good record keeping.
Landlords should retain appropriate records relating to matters such as:
- Safety certificates
- Inspection reports
- EPC documentation
- Deposit protection
- Right to Rent checks
- Tenancy agreements
- Property licences
- Repairs and maintenance
- Relevant correspondence
- Property inspections
- We encourage landlords to maintain an organised compliance record and review it regularly
Property-specific requirements
Not every property has the same obligations.
Additional requirements may apply depending on:
- Property type
- Local authority
- Number of occupants
- Tenancy arrangement
- Property use
- Building characteristics
- Whether the property is furnished
- Whether it forms part of a larger building or development
For this reason, landlords should not assume that compliance requirements for one property automatically apply to another.
Our approach
Where Sable and Stone is instructed to provide property management services, we can help landlords keep relevant compliance matters under review and coordinate appropriate inspections, certificates and contractors within the scope of the agreed management service.
Where specialist assessment, certification or legal advice is required, we work with or recommend appropriately qualified professionals.
Our aim is to make compliance organised, transparent and professionally managed.
Keeping ahead of change
The private rented sector continues to evolve, with legislation and regulatory requirements changing over time.
We monitor relevant developments and review our processes accordingly. Landlords should also remain informed about changes that may affect their properties and seek independent professional advice where appropriate.
Good property management begins with good compliance.
Professional management. Considered compliance.