CIA Landlords

Safety Regulations

It’s a landlord's responsibility to ensure that a rental property is compliant with all safety regulations - from gas certificates to fire safety measures. Here, we talk about every safety regulation you should be aware of.
A landlord checking a smoke detector.

Smoke detector regulations for landlords

20-12-2024

As a landlord, ensuring the safety of your tenants is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. Among the various safety measures you must adhere to, smoke detectors stand out as one of the most important. They’re crucial in providing early warning in case of a fire, potentially saving lives. But what are […]
A Gas Safe engineer checking a boiler.

What is a landlord gas safety certificate?

06-11-2024

If you’re a landlord and you’re wondering how to navigate gas safety certificates, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will provide landlords with practical advice and outline what a landlord gas safety certificate is, gas safety certificate cost, why it’s necessary, and how it’s obtained. A landlord gas safety certificate is an official […]
Fire Door Keep Shut Sign on a Wooden Fire Door.

HMO fire regulations

06-11-2024

Back in January 2023, new fire safety regulations came into force for HMOs following the Grenfell Fire tragedy. As a HMO landlord, it’s essential to understand and be compliant with these regulations. In this post, we’ll review the new fire regs for HMO properties and HMO landlords. Who is the responsible person for HMO? The […]
Hands resting on the top of a radiator.

Heating laws for landlords

06-11-2024

If you’re a landlord, or soon to become one, it’s essential to know your legal responsibilities when it comes to providing heating in your rental property. In this guide, we’ll cover landlord heat laws and hot water obligations, landlord thermostat laws, important regulations, and tips to keep everything running smoothly. Landlord heat laws & heating […]
Fire alarm device installed on building wall.

What are the new fire regulations for landlords?

14-10-2024

There are a myriad of rules, laws and regulations to learn when you become a landlord – and the learning never stops. With regulations ever-changing, keeping on top of them should always be a priority. This is especially true when it comes to fire safety. A landlord has some very important responsibilities when it comes […]
An image of a landlord pat testing their property with a pug, screwdriver and lose wires.

Everything You Need to Know about Landlord PAT Testing

12-09-2024

iLandlord PAT testing, also known as portable appliance testing, is an important safety measure for landlords to adhere to. Although it is not legally required in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, it is highly recommended that landlords fulfil their duty of ensuring all electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained.  Not only does it protect […]
An image of a smoke alarm on a paper with a model house next to it.

Do you need a smoke alarm in a rental property?

06-09-2024

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to keep your property safe and free from health hazards, and therefore it is a legal requirement to install a smoke alarm in a rental property. All tenants have the right to live in a property that is safe and in good condition and whereby their landlord follows […]
Mould and damp on a ceiling next to a window.

What is the Fitness for Human Habitation Act?

02-09-2024

The vast majority of landlords do their utmost to ensure that the property they are providing to tenants is safe and more than fit for habitation. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all landlords. Over the years, we’ve heard countless stories and seen masses of press coverage surrounding rental properties with damp issues, poor […]
A close-up of a man washing his hands in a sink basin.

Guidance for landlords on legionella risk assessments

29-07-2024

Any landlord knows that adhering to laws, regulations and requirements are well and truly part of the job description. It’s important to be well aware of your responsibilities when it comes to electrical, gas and EPC safety – but have you considered the safety of your rental property’s water? An unsafe water supply could be […]
An image of someone using a calculator and a house with the energy efficiency symbol on a figure of a house

Your guide to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

29-07-2024

Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of property management, not only for environmental reasons but also for legal compliance. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) have been put in place to ensure that properties meet certain energy performance criteria.  Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, or property manager, understanding these standards is essential. Here, we will […]
One roof with five windows.

How to Become an HMO Landlord

05-02-2024

Becoming an HMO landlord can be rewarding, offering higher rental yields and diversification in the property market. However, stepping into the role of an HMO landlord involves understanding legal requirements, the nuances of property management, and the ability to effectively manage tenant relations.  Here, we outline the key steps and considerations for any landlord looking […]
A blueprint with tools placed on top.

How to secure and maintain your empty rental property

18-12-2023

Rental properties being empty for significant parts of the year is pretty commonplace, especially for student landlords. And in October 2022, there were 676,304 recorded empty homes in England. In this piece of advice, you will find out how to secure and maintain your empty rental property as a landlord.  A rental property could be […]

What certificates do landlords need to provide?

31-07-2023

On the surface, renting a property seems quite simple. However, being a landlord comes with a myriad of legal responsibilities that are designed to protect both you and your tenant. Before you rent your property, you need to carry out a range of safety checks and retain the documents as evidence. If you cannot provide your tenant […]
Fire alarm in rental property

How to complete fire checks on a rental property

03-04-2023

As a landlord in the UK, it’s important to ensure that your rental property is safe for your tenants to live in. One crucial aspect of rental property safety is fire safety. Here’s what you need to know about completing fire checks on your rental property. Why fire safety checks are important Before we dive […]
Electrical maintenance on plug socket

What is an EICR?

11-01-2023

There are a few hoops you need to jump through as a landlord. These hoops have been set up for the health and safety of your tenants and to also help you prove that you handed the property over in safe condition at the beginning of the tenancy.    One of these essential and legal […]
Person writing in diary energy bill rating chart with coins

How to get an energy performance certificate

11-01-2023

Let’s get you in the know of how to acquire an energy performance certificate. In addition, it’s good to know exactly where your rating should be sitting.    There’s been a few changes this year to the rating system so let’s take a look at how your rental property will be impacted and how to […]

Do landlords have to install fire doors?

27-04-2022

Making sure that you’re providing a safe and secure home for your tenants and, more importantly, that you’re operating within the law should be every landlord’s top priority. Part of renting out your property will involve understanding the rules surrounding fire doors in rented property. So, do landlords have to install fire doors? Are fire […]

Do landlords have to provide carbon monoxide alarms?

18-02-2022

As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to follow all safety regulations in place to protect your tenants. Fitting carbon monoxide alarms in the relevant areas is one of these. Whether you’re considering becoming a landlord or looking to brush up on your knowledge, read our guide all about carbon monoxide alarms in rented property. Do […]

What electrical certificates do landlords need?

19-11-2021

As a landlord, understanding which electrical safety test certificates are required can get confusing with evolving legislation. Ensuring tenant safety is a top priority and something that should be taken seriously, not only to comply with safety standards but to ensure safety and to foster a good reputation amongst your tenants.  We’ll break down the […]
Damaged Property

Damaged Property

Most landlords will experience an issue of some degree with damages to their property at some point. We advise on how to handle deliberate and non-deliberate damage to the property or its contents.

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Financial

Financial

It’s so important for landlords to know their stuff when it comes to money and finances. Here you’ll find advice on everything from rental arrears, deposits and many other important financial issues.

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Illegal Activity

Illegal Activity

We explore and advise on issues regarding illegal activity taking place at a rented property – with everything from drugs and cannabis farms, to the setting up of secret brothels and gambling dens.

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Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Here, you’ll find comprehensive advice pieces on how to manage landlord and tenant disputes. Dealing with tenant and neighbourly disputes in the correct way is so important as a landlord, whether it be noise complaints or financial disputes.

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Landlord Insurance Advice

Landlord Insurance Advice

Landlord insurance can protect landlords in the event of fire, theft, loss of rent and more. Whether you’re considering cover or have just taken out a policy, we’ll guide you through the topic of landlord insurance.

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Legal Advice for Landlords

Legal Advice for Landlords

It’s important to approach legal issues carefully to honour your tenants’ rights, so pay attention to the details. Find advice on the most common legal issues landlords face.

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Other

Other

We explore all of the other issues and situations that may arise for landlords, so that you can feel confident and in-the-know.

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Pets

Pets

Should you relax your ‘no pets’ policy, or is an animal-friendly rental a recipe for disaster? We explore the pro’s and con’s of housing tenants furry friends and how to deal with unauthorised pets, complaints and damages.

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Property Access

Property Access

Once you hand over the keys to your tenant, you can’t just turn up and visit your buy-to-let property as and when you like. Here you’ll find advice on the correct protocols to follow when carrying out inspections and guidance on what might constitute too much contact between you and your tenant.

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Property Maintenance & Interiors

Property Maintenance & Interiors

Every landlord wants their rental property to stay in top condition, and tenants may want to decorate their new home. Read our advice about garden and property maintenance, and interiors here.

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Property Occupants

Property Occupants

Squatters and unregistered tenants and guests are more common than you might think, so it’s vital you’re aware of the rules and regulations and how to deal with these issues correctly. We explore the in’s and out’s of squatters rights and secret subletters so that you don’t get caught out.

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Safety Regulations

Safety Regulations

It’s a landlord's responsibility to ensure that a rental property is compliant with all safety regulations - from gas certificates to fire safety measures. Here, we talk about every safety regulation you should be aware of.

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Screening Process

Screening Process

It’s no secret that the screening process is so important to get right, as it’s the foundations to ensuring an easy and simple tenancy. Here, we offer advice regarding applications, credit and background checks – and everything else you may need to know before selecting your future tenants.

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Utilities

Utilities

There is often confusion around the topic of utilities. Even with the tenants’ names on the bill, landlords can still be responsible in some cases. We’ll guide you through the topic of utilities here.

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Home selling secrets

Amina was very helpful in sorting out my landlord’s insurance and spotted an error in my cover which helped reduce my premium.

First time landlords

We are first time landlords and you gave good advice and the process was easy and good value.

A pleasure to deal with

A pleasure to deal with, the lady on the phone was a credit to her company.