Managing a property - information for landlords

Contents

• Landlord responsibilities
• Fire safety
• Gas safety
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Electrical safety
• Energy Efficiency Standards
• Damp and mould
• Housing enforcement powers
• UK entry clearance (Immigration) inspection

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Landlord responsibilities

Landlords have a legal responsibility to keep their rented properties in good repair, safe and free from health hazards, and fit to rent for human habitation.

You must:

• keep your rented properties safe and free from health hazards
• keep the supply of water, gas and electricity in proper working order
• make sure all gas equipment and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained
• make sure the property is sanitary including the maintenance of sinks, baths, toilets and showers
• ensure that and installed water or central heating systems are kept in good repair
• fit and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• follow fire safety regulations, particularly where you have a property divided into flats
• make sure your property meets all the health and safety requirements, particularly in relation to fire safety, damp and mould
• make repairs in a timely manner
• maintain the exterior of the property including drains, guttering and pipes repairs

Fit to rent

Landlords have an obligation to make repairs to:

• the building structure and exterior
• installations such as boilers, pipes and electrics.
• keep common or shared parts of buildings in good repair.

A landlord might have more repairing obligations set out in the tenancy agreement. For example, if the contract says that they will repair appliances.

Legislation and sources of information

There are many sources of information including:

• Landlord responsibilities - Shelter England
• Landlord association membership
• GOV.UK website
• Shelter England

We can take enforcement action if there are hazards in a property that make it unsafe or unfit. We use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess for hazards.

There is a separate common law obligation which requires landlords to ensure that furnished properties are fit for habitation on the day of letting.

Contact the Housing Standards team

For more information email: privatehousing@cheshireeast.gov.uk 

We can offer advice to landlords who are looking to improve a property ready for letting. There is a charge for the landlord advice service.

We respond to reports from tenants concerned about unsafe or unfit housing, and provide advice and carry out inspections. 

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Page last reviewed: 20 May 2024