In Hackney, landlords are required to ensure that their rental properties meet high standards of safety, maintenance, and legal compliance. Upholding these responsibilities is essential for safeguarding tenant well-being, protecting your investment, and avoiding legal issues. Below is a summary of the key obligations that landlords in Hackney must adhere to:

1. Fire Safety Compliance: Adherence to fire safety regulations is critical. Landlords must install smoke alarms on each floor, provide carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel-burning appliances, and conduct regular Fire Risk Assessments, particularly in multi-occupancy buildings. Additionally, it’s important to maintain clear escape routes and provide tenants with fire safety information.

2. Electrical Safety: Ensuring the safety of the property’s electrical installations is a key duty. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be obtained to certify that the electrical systems are safe. This report should be renewed every five years or when a new tenancy begins, with a copy provided to the tenant.

3. Gas Safety: All gas appliances, fittings, and flues must undergo an annual inspection by a registered Gas Safe engineer. Following this inspection, landlords must obtain a Gas Safety Certificate and provide a copy to tenants within 28 days of the check or at the start of a new tenancy. This ensures that the gas systems are safe and functioning properly.

4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be provided to tenants before a property is rented out. The EPC rates the energy efficiency of the property and is valid for ten years. To comply with legal standards, the property must have an EPC rating of at least E.

5. Asbestos Management: For properties built before 2000, landlords are required to conduct an Asbestos Management Survey. This survey identifies any asbestos-containing materials and provides guidance on how to manage them safely, protecting tenants and maintenance workers from potential health risks.

6. Property Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are responsible for keeping their properties in good condition. This includes maintaining the structure, exterior, and essential systems such as heating, plumbing, and electrical installations. Promptly addressing maintenance issues and repairs reported by tenants is crucial to ensuring the property remains safe and habitable.

7. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: Providing a clear written tenancy agreement is essential. This agreement should outline the terms of the tenancy, including rent, notice periods, and the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant regarding property upkeep. Additionally, landlords must protect tenant deposits in a government-approved deposit protection scheme.

Landlords Checks is committed to supporting landlords in meeting their legal obligations and maintaining high standards across the borough. By fulfilling these responsibilities, landlords help ensure the safety and comfort of their tenants, contributing to the overall quality of housing in Hackney.