Managing your property
As a landlord you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property.
Property standards
A property is expected to be considered fit for human habitation and be free from health and safety hazards.
You must usually make sure that the property meets these standards before the tenancy is set up and all times throughout the tenancy. If the property you let out does not satisfy these criteria and is a health risk, a tenant may be able to take legal action against you.
Expected standards
- adequate whole house heating system e.g. central heating or electrical heating throughout
- the room and water heating equipment are in working order
- suitable lighting throughout
- suitable ventilation. All bedrooms and living rooms to have an opening window. Kitchens and bathrooms require mechanical extraction
- an adequate supply of piped, wholesome water, satisfactory facilities for preparing and cooking food, including a sink with an adequate supply of hot and cold water
- a suitably located toilet and a suitable sewer and drainage system
- a suitably located fixed bath or shower and hand basin, each having a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water
- water, electricity, gas supplies and sanitation are in working order (for example, drains, basins, sinks, baths and WCs)
- the property is free from any damp that could damage the health of the occupier
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
The guide for landlords gives you an overview of what actions to take make your property safe and hazard free.
If the property is not fit for human habitation, the tenant will have the right to take legal action to claim compensation for breach of the tenancy agreement.
Please also see Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) - guidance for landlords which gives you and overview of what the tenant's responsibilities are.