Prioritising the safety and well-being of tenants is paramount for a property manager. This means following compliance regulations and conducting regular inspections to address potential hazards.
Arthur can streamline the process for property managers, helping arrange inspections and keep on top of recurring compliance tasks.
Gas safety inspections must be carried out annually to ensure a property is safe and compliant with regulations. These checks reduce the risk of gas leaks or explosions within the property.
To do this, a property manager can send in a registered engineer to check every gas appliance, boiler, and flue for signs of wear and tear. They will also test the gas pressure and check there are no carbon monoxide leaks. It is essential to use a Gas Safe engineer for these works, as stated in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.
The tenant must receive a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate before they move in and within 28 days of the annual check being carried out. Records must be kept for each property for at least two years.
Arthur allows companies to keep reports for an entire block or individual flat, which means they can promptly retrieve all of the information on each unit's gas safety when needed. Find out how.
Properties must be inspected and given an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every one to five years to ensure electrical wiring and appliances comply with electrical standards. As of 2021, this is the case for all rented properties.
A registered electrician should carry out the check. They will examine the electrical installations in the building through a visual inspection, which involves checking for cracks and signs of overheating. Then, they will do some electrical testing, looking at the currents and voltages to determine if different circuits are safe.
The same is necessary here as with the gas safety certificate—EICRs should be made available to tenants when they move in and within 28 days of the inspection.
Want to keep on top of compliance actions? Find out what Arthur has to offer.
Tenants may grumble about the monthly fire alarm test, but without them, there would be an increased risk of danger in the event of a fire. Generally, fire safety regulations differ depending on the types of property being dealt with. However, there are blanket rules for everyone.
Annual fire risk assessments and fire alarm tests are mandatory for all types of property. These ensure the property has adequate fire safety measures in place, including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and escape routes. The risk assessment identifies and evaluates potential fire hazards and determines actions to reduce fire risk.
Regulations must be followed outside of this, including:
Though checks should be annual at least, there are other circumstances where an inspection should occur sooner. For example, if:
These will tell you how energy-efficient a building is. EPCs, which are valid for 10 years from date of issue, will tell a property manager how costly it is to heat and light a property, and what the carbon dioxide emissions will be.
EPCs rate a property from A, which is very efficient, to G, which is inefficient. It also includes the energy efficiency rating if improvements were made. Improvements suggested include things as small as changing to more energy-efficient light bulbs.
Find out how to get your rental property assessed for an EPC with our helpful blog.
When your buildings need new EPCs, using Arthur makes communication with tenants even easier. Arthur allows you to send a message to all your tenants in one go via one system, saving time over copying and pasting each name into the send list.
By prioritising gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety, and energy efficiency, property managers can create safer and more sustainable rental properties. Rental properties must meet the highest safety standards and provide a positive living experience for tenants.
Discover how Arthur can help by booking a free demo with us.