Housing

Before the tenancy

Ensure the property is in a good state of repair. Carry out repairs before the tenant moves in.

• All gas appliances and pipe work must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A valid gas safety certificate must be given to the tenant at the start of the tenancy and after each 12 month check.
  
• All electrical installations must be checked by a member of either the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICIEC) or the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) every 5 years, or more often if specified on the electrical certificate.
  
• A minimum of one battery operated smoke alarm on the ground floor hallway and one per landing must be provided. These must be fixed to the ceiling. It is important that the tenant is asked to test the alarm each week, and that the landlord changes the battery once a year. The alarm should be vacuumed and wiped annually to ensure dust is not blocking the sensor.
  

Please note: Providing smoke alarms may not be adequate or appropriate for houses let in multiple occupation. If in doubt please contact your Private Sector Housing Office.

• Make sure your tenancy agreement allows you to enter the property to carry out maintenance and repairs, after giving the tenant reasonable notice.
  
• Ensure there are enough amenities for the number of occupants that the property is intended to accommodate.
  
• If the property is let furnished, you must make sure that furniture and furnishings comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1988. A summary of these standards is available from the Trading Standards Office or the Department of Trade & Industry.
  
• Show the tenant around the property before the start of the tenancy and provide and agree a written inventory for the property.
  
• Provide the instructions for appliances in the property.
  
• Provide a written tenancy agreement clearly stating:
  

1. if a bond or deposit is payable, and how it will be retained or returned at the end of the tenancy.
   
2. the rent payable, including method of payment and the date payment is due.
   
3. whether charges for gas, electricity, water, telephone or council tax are included in the rent.
   
4. any valuables or items that are cherished for sentimental reasons, (although we recommend that such items are removed before letting).
   

• Give the tenant details of the appropriate person to contact in case of emergency. Include name, telephone number and convenient times to ring.
  
• Where required, provide details for applications for benefits to the benefits office to avoid unnecessary delay in payment.

During the tenancy

• Carry out repairs promptly.
  
• Give reasonable notice if access is required to the property.
  
• Act immediately on urgent repairs, particularly where the health and safety of the tenants may be at risk.
  
• Ensure sufficient dustbins/refuse containers are provided, and that refuse is collected and disposed of.
  

At the end of the tenancy

• Serve the appropriate notice requiring possession, giving the appropriate period of notice and the grounds for possession (if required). Keep a copy, and if possible hand deliver the notice and get the tenant and person delivering it to initial and date it.
  
• Inspect the property a week before the end of the tenancy, giving the tenant at least 2 days notice.
  
• Check through the inventory with the tenant. A reasonable level of wear and tear should be allowed for.
  
• Return deposits/bonds to the tenant within 14 days of the end of the tenancy, along with a statement of any deductions made, and why.
  
• On the day of departure check readings of utility meters and notify the appropriate utility company.
  
• Obtain forwarding details for the tenant to enable mail and the bond/deposit to be sent.
  
• If appropriate notify Housing Benefit, giving the date that the tenant departs.