Over the last 10 years, laws for residential lettings have changed year in and year out. Overall, Landlord laws have increased 40% in the last 10 years. Not all will affect an Inventory Clerk directly, unless they offer extra services. Some laws will directly affect an Inventory Clerk as agents and landlords will rely on them to double / triple check their property is compliant.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
At least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their rental property which is used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used – after that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
Inventory Clerks can: Test and record all devices in their report. Clerks can also carry new devices for last minute installs.
Valid For: After a tenant has moved in, they then become responsible until they Check-Out
Blind Safety Standards 2014
New blinds with looped cords must have child safety devices installed at the point of manufacture or sold with the blind.
Inventory Clerks can: Test and record all devices in their report. Clerks can also carry new devices for last minute installs.
Valid For: No expiry
EICR – Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met.
Inventory Clerks can: Record certificate inside their report
Valid For: 5 years
Official government guidance for landlords
EPC – Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard
Set a minimum energy efficiency level of above F for domestic private rented properties.
Inventory Clerks can: Record certificate inside their report
Valid For: 10 years
Official government guidance for landlords
Gas Safe
Landlords must make sure that the gas supply and appliances they have provided are in a safe condition, fitted or repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Inventory Clerks can: Record certificate inside their report
Valid For: 1 year
Fire safety rules
Fire safety rules vary depending on the property type
All Rented Property: all furniture must be fire safe, working smoke detectors on every habitable floor.
Flats: above plus, Front Door must be a 30 minute fire door and have a self-closing mechanism.
HMOs: above plus, require a fire blanket in the kitchen, working smoke detectors in every room, 30 minute fire doors on every room, fire escapes clearly lit and clear, and fire doors must have self-closing mechanisms
Housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS)
We have had this feature for years and is available in inspection areas on every report
What does an Inventory Clerk need to know?
The above is just an overview of the basics. These laws (especially HMOs) can also have local legislation affecting what is required. So please check your local government website.
Compliance Items
To help you provide a better all round service, we have updated the Smoke & CO Regulations section of our report to accommodate these extra laws. This means you can now let your clients know this is something you will check and report. This includes a section for the tenant to sign confirming they have also checked these compliance areas and take responsibility for them.
You will see Compliance Items in your report dashboard after downloading the most recent update from the Apple App Store. Once you have the most recent app, press the + button in the top right to add the compliance item of your choosing.
