As a landlord in Bexley, you have a legal duty to ensure that your properties are safe, well-maintained, and compliant with all relevant regulations. Meeting these responsibilities is crucial not only for the safety and well-being of your tenants but also for protecting yourself from legal and financial risks. Below is an overview of key responsibilities that all landlords in Bexley must adhere to:

1. Fire Safety Compliance: Landlords must ensure that their properties are equipped with appropriate fire safety measures. This includes installing smoke alarms on every floor, providing fire extinguishers where necessary, and conducting regular Fire Risk Assessments, especially in properties with shared spaces. It’s essential to keep escape routes clear and provide tenants with information on fire safety procedures.

2. Electrical Safety: Ensuring the safety of electrical installations and appliances is a legal requirement. Landlords must provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that certifies the safety of the property’s electrical systems. This report must be updated at least every five years or whenever there is a change in tenancy.

3. Gas Safety: Landlords are required to arrange an annual gas safety check carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer. This check ensures that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues are safe to use. A copy of the Gas Safety Certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection or when a new tenant moves in.

4. Energy Efficiency: It is mandatory to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. The EPC rates the energy efficiency of the property and must be provided to tenants before the property is rented out. Properties must meet a minimum EPC rating of E to be legally let.

5. Asbestos Management: For properties built before the year 2000, landlords are responsible for ensuring that an Asbestos Management Survey is conducted. This survey identifies the presence of asbestos-containing materials and provides guidelines on how to manage them safely, minimizing health risks to tenants and maintenance workers.

6. Property Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are responsible for keeping the property in good repair, including the structure, exterior, and installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, and sanitation. Prompt attention to repairs and maintenance issues reported by tenants is essential to meet legal standards and maintain tenant satisfaction.

7. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: It’s important to provide tenants with a written tenancy agreement that clearly outlines their rights and responsibilities, as well as the landlord’s obligations. This agreement should cover rent payments, notice periods, and property upkeep expectations.

Landlords Checks is committed to helping landlords meet these obligations and maintain high standards across the borough. By adhering to these responsibilities, landlords not only protect their tenants but also contribute to the overall safety and quality of housing in Bexley.