If you’re renting out a property, or multiple properties, then you know you have obligations. Things you are both morally and legally responsible for when it comes to the property and your tenants. Alongside things like making sure the home is habitable and taking care of any repairs that are part of the agreement, you also need to make sure that the property is secure and the tenant will be safe living there. This includes things like fixing locks on doors or windows, and could even mean installing burglar alarms and security lighting. And since the rules around tenancy are changing, we thought now would be a good time to refresh you on what your legal responsibilities are and how you can meet them.
Security
Security is something of a two-part responsibility, because both landlord and tenant are responsible for securing the property in different ways. For landlords, providing a secure property means:
Provide secure locks: All external doors and windows must be fitted with secure, functional locks that meet insurance standards. Tenants must be given keys to these locks, and are responsible for using them to keep the property secure.
Maintain those locks: Something that a lot of landlords forget is that locks need maintenance, just like the rest of the property. It doesn’t need to be often, but landlords should arrange for locks that have become faulty, damaged or worn during the tenancy to be replaced. Annual maintenance is advisable to prolong the life of both locks and keys.
Change the locks when needed: There are a lot of reasons the locks may need changing, from simple lost keys all the way through to burglaries. But the most common time for landlords to change the locks is when a tenant leaves the property. It’s best practice (and often driven by insurance) to change the locks before a new tenant moves in to prevent unauthorised access by previous occupants.
Respond to issues promptly: If a tenant reports a security issue to you, follow up on it quickly. Especially if it’s about faulty locks or security compromises. Some tenant requests can wait a few days until you deal with them, but security issues can’t.
Alarm systems: Another good idea for landlords (and something insurers love) is to make sure there is some form of burglar alarm or intruder detection system installed in the property. This not only makes the tenant feel safer, but also it means your insurance premiums will be a little lower.
Spare keys: You must provide tenants with a set of spare keys. If they need replacements, you can charge a reasonable amount for this.
Safety
Alongside security arrangements, there are also safety matters to consider. As a landlord, you’re responsible for making sure the property is safe to live in. That includes:
Fit for habitation: The property must be safe, secure and free from hazards. This includes things like mould, pests or damp, which can all endanger the health of the tenants.
Security certificates: You will need to prove that all systems within your home are safe. This means providing valid Gas Safety Certificates and Electrical Safety Certificates, and having the relevant inspections carried out at the proper times.
Alarms: You must install working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in every property you own. These should be tested at every inspection and documented. Carbon monoxide alarms must be present in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, which includes things like boilers and wood burners, but not gas cookers, and a smoke alarm has to be fitted on every storey of the house to be compliant with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (amendment) Regulations 2022.
Clear egress: Clear exits need to be available at all times, and not obstructed. This is mainly for HMOs, where communal corridors and fire doors can become blocked by residents’ belongings or even rubbish. Checking the exit routes are clear in case of emergency should be on your checklist for every inspection.
Providing notice for entry: If you, as a landlord, want to enter the property for any reason, you have to give the tenant at least 24 hours written notice. The only exception is in cases of emergency (for example, if there’s a burst pipe and you need to turn the water off, but the tenant is at work). Even then, it’s recommended that you inform the tenant of your intention.
At My Locks Locksmith, we work with landlords across the South to ensure their properties are kept safe and they meet their legal obligations, all without stress, and without breaking the bank. We even work with special Master Key systems to make managing HMOs a much simpler task, and are always happy to make suggestions on how to improve things. If you’d like to find out more, just get in touch with the team today.