Gas Safety (CP12 Certificate)
Annual Gas Safety Certificate
All landlords with gas appliances must have a Gas Safety inspection every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A copy of the CP12 certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days, or before they move in. Failure to comply can result in unlimited fines and up to 6 months in prison.
The inspection covers all gas appliances, pipework and flues in the property. If a fault is found, the engineer can condemn the appliance and disconnect the gas supply. It is essential to book this in advance and not let the certificate lapse.
Rent Ready London provides Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) across East London and Essex, with same-week availability in most areas.
Electrical Safety (EICR)
Electrical Installation Condition Report
Since July 2020, all private landlords in England must have a valid EICR carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician. A copy must be given to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in.
An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation, including consumer units, wiring, sockets and light fittings. If any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) issues are found, remedial work must be completed within 28 days.
Our team provides EICR certificates across East London and Essex with fast turnaround and competitive pricing.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Minimum EPC Rating of E
All rental properties in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of E before they can be legally let. Properties rated F or G cannot be let unless a valid exemption is registered. A new EPC is valid for 10 years.
The government has proposed raising the minimum to a C rating for new tenancies. While the exact implementation date remains subject to consultation, landlords should plan ahead. Improving loft insulation, upgrading to double glazing and fitting a modern boiler are among the most effective ways to raise an EPC rating.
Rent Ready London can help improve your EPC rating through loft insulation, window installation and boiler upgrades.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Alarms Required by Law
Since October 2022, landlords must install a smoke alarm on every storey of their property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (including gas boilers). Alarms must be tested and working at the start of each new tenancy.
Failure to comply can result in a civil penalty of up to £5,000. Tenants should be shown how to test the alarms and landlords should keep a record of testing.
HMO Licensing
Houses in Multiple Occupation
Any property occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households must have a mandatory HMO licence from the local council. Many London boroughs also run additional and selective licensing schemes that apply to smaller HMOs and standard buy-to-let properties.
In East London, boroughs including Newham, Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham have active selective licensing schemes. Landlords who let without the required licence face unlimited fines and rent repayment orders.
Right to Rent Checks
Landlords in England must check that all adult occupants have the legal right to rent in the UK before a tenancy begins. Acceptable documents include a valid UK or Irish passport, biometric residence permit or share code. Failure to carry out checks can result in a civil penalty of up to £20,000 per tenant.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
Any deposit taken from a tenant must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits or TDS) within 30 days. The tenant must also be given the prescribed information about the scheme. Failure to protect the deposit can result in a fine of up to 3 times the deposit amount.
Fitness for Human Habitation
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, properties must be safe and healthy to live in at the start of and throughout the tenancy. This covers issues such as damp, mould, pest infestations, unsafe structures and lack of natural light. Tenants can take landlords to court if the property is not fit for habitation.
Rent Ready London can help address damp and mould issues, pest infestations and general property condition before a new tenancy begins.
How Rent Ready London Can Help
Staying compliant does not have to be stressful. Our Rent Ready Care Plan covers your annual Gas Safety Certificate, helps you stay on top of EICR renewals and gives you access to priority repairs and inspections throughout the year, all for a fixed monthly fee.
Call us on 07354 357 678 or request a free quote to discuss your property needs.