It’s never easy being a buy to let landlord. By keeping up with some of the latest UK property news headlines, though, we aim to make your job just that little bit easier.

So, let’s briefly review what’s currently making the news.

Landlord Alert: beware of long-term third-party energy contracts

An article in Landlord Today recently warned against long-term energy contracts with third parties – a temptation for anyone worried about escalating bills.

With the high cost of energy these days, it’s hardly surprising that both landlords and tenants want to cut the cost of electricity bills. To make their let property more attractive to tenants and with the possibility of it increasing in value, landlords may be attracted by the sustainability of solar-power panels. However, they can be so expensive to install.

A way around that capital outlay is a long-term contract (typically 20 to 30 years) with a third party that owns the building’s roof for a solar panel – or PV – system that is then leased to an asset manager.

But the very long-term nature of such contracts – which typically bind the property owner into paying compensation for any loss of income if the system ever needs to be switched off – exposes landlords to risks greater than any apparent savings in time and money.

Think twice before entering any such contract, warned Landlord Today.

The Northern Powerhouse comes out as top investment spot in England

If you’ve ever wondered where the best location is to make your investment in property, the Buy Association on the 18^th of February may have the answer.

The lobby group revealed that it is in the two Scottish powerhouse cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow that investors are likely to reap the greatest returns. But the best place in England for residential investment is Manchester.

According to financial analysts, the city boasts a local economy valued at more than £80 billion, has transport links around the globe, can tap into the education and skills of the biggest student population outside London, offers high-quality commercial property, and attracts finance from some of the world’s best-known international brands.

House prices edge up as buyer choice hits 10-year high

There is typically a surge in house transactions come springtime. This year is no different, though the increase in activity is somewhat lower than usual, explained the online listings website Rightmove last month.

Instead of the usual 0.8% seasonal increase, prices rose by a more modest 0.5% in February.

The reasons are two-fold, suggest Rightmove:

• more sellers are wanting to get in early before an upcoming increase in Stamp Duty that will leave buyers with a greater tax liability; and

• an overall increase in the number of homes on the market – great news for buyers, but sellers therefore face greater competition and must tailor accordingly the asking price of properties for sale.

Developer wins appeal over golf course homes plan

Despite strong opposition from local residents, housebuilders Barratt David Wilson Homes has won a planning appeal to build 214 dwellings on a part of the Abbey golf course at Hither Green Lane, in Redditch, south of Birmingham.

On the 18^th of February, the BBC reported the planning inspector’s reasoning that the proposed 200 or so new dwellings will help to address the prevailing shortfall in new homes, while also bringing an estimated £5 million of investments into the locality.

Are you planning an extended holiday away from home? Perhaps you need to move out while the builders are in? Perhaps there’s a longer than usual interval between tenants moving out of your let property before new ones move in?

If your property is going to be empty for longer than a month or two, how do you leave it?

Insurance implications

One of the most important considerations is home insurance. Did you know that after a property has been unoccupied for typically 45 to 60 consecutive days, most insurers will significantly curtail the extent of buildings and contents cover – or even regard the home insurance policy as having lapsed altogether?

To restore the protection that your home and its contents continue to need while you are away, you may need to arrange standalone unoccupied property insurance.

To find out more about unoccupied property insurance, why it is needed and what it covers etc., please read our Guide to Unoccupied Property.

What to do when you leave your unoccupied property

Even with unoccupied property insurance safely in place, your insurers are entitled to expect you to take all reasonable precautions to mitigate any loss or damage.

There are various measures commonly taken to help safeguard an unoccupied property while the homeowners, tenants or landlords are away:

Secure the empty property

• security is a clear essential – an unoccupied property may attract all manner of undesirable attention from intruders, squatters, vandals, and arsonists;

• you have an array of choices but start with ensuring that all doors and windows, the garage, and any garden sheds and gates are securely locked;

• the popularity of video doorbells speaks volumes for the ability to monitor your property remotely while conventional burglar alarms and motion-detecting floodlights add extra security;

• don’t advertise your prolonged absence on social media and, before you go, consider informing the local police and your Neighbourhood Watch scheme;

Make sure your home looks lived-in

• if you plan to be away during the summer months, arrange for regular grass-mowing and maintenance of the garden;

• redirect (or cancel) post and other deliveries;

• set a few lights on timer switches to give the impression that someone’s at home in the evenings; and

• ask a friendly neighbour to put your bins out on collection days and use their own car to park on your driveway every once in a while;

• if you’re away during the winter months, the same security precautions apply, and you may need to give special attention to basic home maintenance;

• your insurer will require you to meet certain terms and conditions under the terms of your cover – for example, to avert the risk of frozen pipes the need to keep the heating on to maintain a low-level ambient temperature – or draining down the water system entirely if you plan to be away for an especially long time. Check your empty property insurance policy for what you need to do, or please contact us for clarification;

• consider investing in a leak detection device; and

• double-check that all exposed pipework and outdoor fittings are thoroughly insulated and fix any dripping taps;

Fire safety first

• fire is a potentially lethal threat to any home – risks of a serious outbreak are multiplied in an unoccupied home where there is no one to raise the alarm;

• according to loss adjustors Morgan Clark on the 18^th of December, fire brigades attend more than 34,000 house fires a year in the UK – an average of 93 a day or one every 15 minutes;

• even with unoccupied property insurance in place, therefore, you must continue to take all reasonable precautions by removing any flammable materials, installing smoke detectors, considering a fire alarm system connected to your local emergency services, and – in the warmer summer months – turning off gas and electricity supplies.

Peace of mind as you leave your unoccupied property

Although your property is undoubtedly more vulnerable if you need to leave it vacant for longer than a month or two, unoccupied property insurance is designed to maintain the financial protection you need.

Together with the precautions outlined above, you may leave your unoccupied property with a certain peace of mind.

If you rent out your holiday home, fire safety is something you simply can’t ignore. It’s not just about ticking legal boxes – it’s about keeping your guests safe and protecting your investment. The good news is, staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key fire safety requirements for UK holiday lets, so you can relax knowing your property is safe and covered with the most appropriate holiday home insurance.

What fire safety do owners of UK holiday lets need to follow?

If you rent out your holiday home to paying guests, it’s classed as a commercial property under UK law, and you have a legal duty to assess fire risks and put safety measures in place.

Fire risk assessment: What you need to do

Carrying out a fire risk assessment is essential for all holiday lets. Here’s what it involves:

• identifying potential fire hazards, like electrical appliances, heating systems, and cooking areas.
• considering how these risks could affect guests, particularly those with young children or mobility issues.
• taking steps to reduce risks and making sure safety measures are in place.
• reviewing your assessment regularly, especially if you renovate or change how the property is used.

Keeping a written record of your assessment is a smart move – it proves you’re taking safety seriously and may protect you from legal trouble if something goes wrong.

Fire safety essentials for holiday lets

To meet (current) legal requirements and keep guests safe, your holiday home typically should have the following:

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor.
• carbon monoxide detectors are a must in rooms with wood burners, open fires, or gas appliances.

Fire extinguishers and fire blankets

• a fire extinguisher should be easy to find, ideally near high-risk areas like the kitchen.
• a fire blanket is a handy extra precaution for dealing with small fires.

Escape routes and emergency plans

• guests should always have a clear way to exit the property in case of an emergency.
• display a simple evacuation plan somewhere visible, like on the back of the front door.
• if your property has multiple floors, ensure there’s a safe escape route.

Fire-safe furniture and materials

• any upholstered furniture should meet fire safety regulations (furniture and furnishings) 1988.
• look for fire-retardant labels on mattresses, curtains, and soft furnishings.

Electrical and gas safety

• get Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) done on electrical appliances to make sure they’re safe at regular intervals (typically annually).
• arrange a 5-yearly EICR (electrical wiring and installations) check.
• if you have gas appliances, book an annual gas safety check with a gas safe registered engineer.

Why holiday home insurance is a must-have

Even with all the right precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s where UK holiday home insurance comes in. Standard home insurance won’t usually cover a rental property, so you’ll need a policy that protects against:

• fire damage to your home and contents.
• guest injuries caused by a fire.
• lost rental income if a fire makes your property uninhabitable.
• costs for alternative accommodation for your guests if they can’t stay.

Keeping your holiday home safe and secure

Fire safety isn’t just about following the law – it’s about giving your guests peace of mind and protecting your holiday home. By keeping up with fire risk assessments, installing the right safety equipment, and choosing a solid holiday home insurance policy, you can confidently rent out your property, knowing you’ve covered all the bases.

If you’re unsure about anything, reach out to your local fire authority or a fire safety expert. A little effort now can save you from major headaches later on, letting you focus on giving your guests a fantastic, stress-free stay.

Further reading: Landlords Guide to Health & Safety and

Landlord safety responsibilities: How to ensure compliance in rented properties.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Fire safety regulations may vary and change, and it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure compliance with current laws and guidance. For specific advice, consult a fire safety professional or your local fire authority.

How often have you considered adding “no pets” in your advertisement for an upcoming tenancy in a let property you own?

You are probably worried about the extra damage or wear and tear that might be caused if your tenants own a pet or pets. Or the extra cleaning required (think: fleas) when a pet owning tenant moves out. So, you insist that your tenants are not allowed to keep pets.

Nevertheless, you might also want to give some thought to the extent to which you may be excluding a large section of potential tenants by denying the keeping of pets – as well as the legal aspects.

Tenants with pets

In 2024, a study reported that around 60% of UK households have non-aquatic pets. The chances are high, therefore, that at least some of your potential tenants are going to be pet owners.

Renters often struggle to find pet-friendly properties, making it a valuable opportunity for landlords as pet-friendly properties attract more interest and potentially can be rented out quickly.

Under the new Renters’ Rights Bill (which is expected to pass Royal Assent and become law after Easter 2025), there are provisions aimed at making it harder for landlords to refuse pets without good reason.

When may it be acceptable for a landlord to decline a tenant’s request to keep a pet?

There are certain circumstances where it’s reasonable for a landlord to say no to pets, such as:

• the property is too compact to accommodate a large pet comfortably;
• another tenant in the building has a pet allergy, which could cause health concerns;
• for leasehold properties, a ‘no pets’ rule set by the freeholder may apply, prohibiting all residents – whether owners or renters – from having pets on the premises.

Finally, you might be worried that a pet kept by your tenant may create a nuisance for your neighbours and strain your otherwise cordial relationships with them as a result.

Once again, the specific terms of the tenancy agreement may once again help. The agreement is likely to require, for instance, that your tenant acts in a reasonable and responsible manner. If they keep a pet – a dog which barks all night long, for example – you (not to mention the neighbours) may be quite entitled to consider the failure to control the animal to be unreasonable behaviour.

Can a landlord refuse a tenant’s pet? Here’s what you need to know

When it comes to renting with pets, landlords must consider requests on an individual basis. There isn’t a blanket rule that says when they can or can’t say “no” – it really depends on the circumstances.

That said, if a landlord (such as a freeholder in a leasehold property) has a strict no-pets policy, a landlord can reasonably refuse. Once the Renters’ Rights Bill has become law, there will also be official guidance to help both landlords and tenants navigate these decisions fairly.

What if a landlord says no without good reason?

If a tenant believes their pet request has been unfairly rejected, they have options. They can escalate their complaint to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or even take legal action. A final decision will be made based on the evidence from both sides.

What happens if a pet causes damage?

To give landlords peace of mind, the government is amending the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to allow them to require tenants to have pet damage insurance. If the landlord takes out the insurance instead, they can recover the cost from the tenant.

Tenants also pay a tenancy deposit, which can be used for repairs – though landlords can’t claim twice for the same damage. In the rare event that insurance and the deposit don’t cover the full cost, landlords can take legal action to recover the remaining amount, following standard industry procedures.

Pets in lets

With more tenants owning pets, landlords who allow them can potentially attract a larger tenant pool and enjoy more stable rental income. However, concerns about property damage, neighbour complaints, and insurance limitations are understandable.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will make it harder for landlords to refuse pets without a valid reason. Landlords can still say “no” in certain cases, such as when the property is unsuitable, or a leasehold agreement prohibits pets.

By requiring pet damage insurance and setting clear tenancy agreements, landlords can protect their property while accommodating responsible pet owners. Staying informed about legal changes will help landlords and tenants navigate these new rules fairly.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations surrounding pet-friendly rentals may change. Landlords and tenants should seek professional legal guidance or refer to official government sources for specific advice on tenancy agreements and pet policies.

We do not accept liability for any decisions made based on the information provided in this article. Landlords are encouraged to review their tenancy agreements, insurance policies, and legal obligations before making decisions regarding pets in rental properties.

Are you preparing your second home for a new season of holidays? Then it’s probably a good time to think about your UK holiday home insurance. Ensuring that your property is covered by the appropriate type of cover is one of the fool-proof ways of protecting your investment.

What is UK holiday home insurance and why do you need it?

UK holiday home insurance is similar to your regular home insurance in that protection against loss or damage to the building itself and to its contents (if required) are core components of any policy. But there are significant variances – and these make all the difference.

Unlike your main place of residence, for example, you might:

• use your second home as a weekend retreat or for holidays with your family or friends;
• rent out your holiday home for short-term lets;
• need to take in to account periods when your holiday home might also stand empty and unoccupied for significant parts of the year.

UK holiday home insurance is specifically designed to extend cover to these unique sets of circumstances. That’s why you need specialist holiday home insurance and cannot rely on standard home insurance.

What types of UK holiday home insurance cover are available?

In addition to the core elements designed to protect against loss or damage to the structure and fabric of the building or (optionally) to its contents, UK holiday home insurance typically may also incorporate a whole raft of further advantages or additional add-ons:

• public liability insurance will be essential if you let your holiday home – however irregularly or short-term – because it indemnifies you against injury or property damage suffered by your guests or tenants;

• malicious damage – some policies may include cover against malicious or accidental damage caused by your short-term tenants;

• unoccupied property insurance – your holiday home may be more than usually vulnerable to extended periods when it is unoccupied. UK holiday home insurance may, therefore, typically provide cover for periods when the  property is unoccupied (subject to terms being met);

• loss of rental income – common to many landlord insurance policies, loss of rental income cover will compensate you for income lost if your holiday home is temporarily uninhabitable following an insured loss.

What exclusions should you watch out for?

As with many other forms of general insurance, there are exclusions and policy requirements to which you must pay attention.

These will vary from one policy to another but typically may relate to:

• loss or damage caused through fair wear and tear;
• an obligation to maintain the property in a good state of repair; and,
• regular inspection visits during times when your holiday home is unoccupied.

What should you look for in a UK holiday let insurance policy?

When reviewing or renewing your UK holiday home insurance, you might want to pay particular attention to the limits of cover provided and the relevant sums insured, any exclusions and policy requirements etc.

If you are unsure of any aspect of your cover, please do contact us, and we’d be very happy to clarify.

Summary

As you prepare to begin or renew your holiday home insurance, it is important to understand precisely what the policy entails. This will include any cover options, along with extras or additional elements of protection likely to be especially relevant to your particular property.

When comparing policies, of course, it is important to make sure you are comparing like with like to find the most suitable cover.

Remember that we are always here at Cover4LetProperty to answer any queries about your UK holiday home insurance or to offer you a quote. For further reading, check out our Guide to UK holiday homes.

If you’ re a landlord, you will be aware that recent years have seen successive changes to the energy-efficiency standards the law requires you to maintain for your domestic let property. It might have been something of a challenge to keep up with the steadily more stringent requirements.

Since 1 April 2020, landlords are prohibited from letting or continuing to let properties that fall below an EPC rating of E, unless a valid exemption is in place.

If you are planning to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G, you must either improve the property’s rating to E or register an exemption before entering into a new tenancy agreement.

For those currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, immediate action is required: you need to either upgrade the property’s rating to E or secure an exemption if you haven’t already done so.

However, if your property is currently unoccupied and you have no plans to let it in the near future, you do not need to improve its rating until you decide to put it back on the market.

EPC C ratings

The government has confirmed that by 2030, landlords will be required to achieve an EPC rating of Band C.

Against this background of steadily more stringent rules, you will also want to know what you can do to improve your let property’s EPC rating.

Insulation

Probably the single most efficient way of conserving the energy required to heat your home is to prevent its loss by thoroughly insulating the building.

The Energy Saving Trust points out that around a third of all heat that is lost from an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. Insulating the cavity between the two courses of brick or blockwork, therefore, is one of the most efficient energy-saving measures – and could save you around £320 a year in energy bills.

Floor insulation – under the floor and around the skirting boards – could save you a further £110 for a detached house (£70 for a semi-detached) while topping up the insulation in your loft could save £20 a year more.

For the relatively affordable cost of an insulating jacket for your hot water cylinder, you could improve the EPC rating of your home – and save yourself as much as £40 a year in energy bills.

Double-glazing

Simple steps you can take for an immediate impact include the suggestion we made elsewhere about draught-proofing your windows and doors. Keeping the cold air out and the warmth can help boost your EPC rating at a stroke.

A longer-term and even more energy-efficient investment will be double-glazing – or triple-glazing – your windows. Some 18% of the heat within your home is lost through the windows, suggest          s research done by the government, and you can combat that loss by the installation of double glazing that is rated A+.

Lighting

If you are still using traditional incandescent light bulbs or halogen lighting give serious consideration to replacing these with far more energy-efficient LED systems.

LEDs (which stands for Light Emitting Diodes) consume less energy and can last up to 25 times as long as traditional lighting. You can find out more here.

Energy audit

If you are the landlord of a whole block of flats or multiple let units and want a global picture of your use of energy and how to make it more efficient, you may want to consider a root-and-branch energy audit – just as we suggested in an earlier blog about savings on your energy costs.

Update your EPC

Once you have taken as many of the energy-efficiency measures as you can, you might want to arrange for a new EPC for your let property.

As we explained in an earlier blog, the inspection and certification must be done by an accredited domestic energy assessor and an appropriate contact can be found through the government website. The latter will also display any existing EPCs for the property in question.

The process is somewhat different if the property is in Scotland.

What is it?

The initials might not be recognised by everyone, but for those in the know, PRS simply means the Private Rental (or Rented) Sector – populated by private sector landlords and the growing number of private tenants they accommodate.

Why is it important?

The importance of the PRS may be measured in terms of its sheer size and the proportion of the nation’s population that it houses – a population that is currently growing significantly.

Recent statistics from the English Private Landlord Survey (EPLS) revealed that the PRS in England alone is now the second largest tenure and is home to 19% of all households.

England’s PRS is now more diverse than ever, transforming significantly over recent decades. Between 2008-09 and 2023-24, the number of households in this sector increased by 52%, growing from 3.1 million to 4.7 million households.

Also, faced with further difficulties in the state of health of the housing market generally, still more people are likely to turn to the private rented sector for their homes.

The economics of buying to let

The private sector landlord of buy to let property is in the business of generating an income stream from the rents received. The fact that it represents a business proposition is reflected in the way in which applications for buy to let mortgages are assessed and granted and also the special category of landlord insurance  necessary for protecting that business investment.

The financial objective of the landlord, of course, is to ensure that income from rents exceed the costs of owning the let property – operating expenses which may take many forms but are principally the costs of servicing a buy to let mortgage, ongoing repairs and maintenance of the property, letting agency fees and the need for adequate landlord insurance to safeguard both the structure and fabric of the property and in defence of possible liability claims against the business itself.

The growth of the PRS

The growth and transformation of the PRS are not without challenges. Landlords are increasingly faced with higher operating costs, including mortgage repayments, maintenance expenses, and the cost of complying with new regulations – with many leaving the sector.

However, many view the current market conditions as an opportunity to invest in buy-to-let properties, capitalising on the strong demand and potential for rental yield increases.

In summary, the UK private rented sector is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape that reflects broader social and economic shifts. With a rapidly growing number of households and an expanding range of property types, the PRS offers both opportunities and challenges for those involved.

Whether you are a tenant seeking flexible living arrangements or a landlord exploring investment possibilities, staying informed about market trends and regulatory changes is essential.

 

As we continue into 2025, UK property news continues to claim the headlines across much of the press. Let’s take a brief look behind some of those stories to examine the state of the housing market as the year begins and offer clues about the rest of the year ahead.

UK housing market “starts new year with a bang”

The year has started with a surge in the number of homes appearing on the market, reported the Guardian newspaper recently. There were some 11% more homes advertised for sale during this January than in the same month last year.

Heralding what is expected to be an especially active market, the newspaper cited online listings website Rightmove’s findings that average prices have also registered a notable leap forward. A typical home was listed for sale at £366,189 during January – a 1.7% increase of £5,992 and the biggest spurt in prices to start any new year since 2020.

Increased confidence on the part of potential buyers may help to explain this renewed buoyancy in the market. As interest rates have already fallen to some degree, buyers appear to be taking comfort from the prospect of further cuts in interest rates combined with a possible fall in the rate of inflation to 2.5%.

Despite these opening strengths of the market, average house prices still lag up to £9,000 lower than the all-time records achieved in May of last year.

15m homes gained £7,600 in value over 2024

The New Year’s overview of the housing market by online listings website Zoopla on the 15^th of January revealed that half of all UK homes – that’s around 15 million dwellings – increased in value by £7,600 or more during the course of last year.

Not all properties fared so well, of course. Around one-third of homes – largely in the southeast of England – saw a slight drop in value because the higher cost of borrowing had reduced purchasing power.

The overall impact on prices across all 30 million homes was calculated as an average increase of £2,400.

The most sluggish of increases – with just 36% registering a rise in prices – were in homes in the south of England; 62% of those in the north of the country and Scotland saw increases; while 70% of those in the northeast gained in value. The highest gains – of an average £4,400 – were seen in the northwest.

The latest on the Renters’ Rights Bill as it moves to the House of Lords

On the 14^th of January, the landlords’ lobby group Propertymark criticised a number of amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill as it passes up from the House of Commons to the Lords for further scrutiny. In particular, it argued against the proposals to:

• limit to one month the amount of rent landlords may charge tenants in advance;

• restrict the ability of landlords to repossess student-let property;

• fees raised from landlords being used to fund the proposed new private rented sector Ombudsman; and

• the creation of a register of landlords and the maintenance of a landlord’s database.

Propertymark is concerned that while the amendments might appear to favour tenants, in the longer run the disincentives for landlords could result in fewer and more expensive properties in the private rented sector.

Petition demands EPC equality for private rental properties 

A story in Landlord Today last month described a petition to the House of Commons by a private sector landlord calling for the strict energy efficiency requirements for rental homes to be applied to all types of housing – whatever the tenure.

The petitioner is making his bid following confirmation from Ed Miliband the Energy Secretary that all homes in the private rented sector will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C – or better – by the year 2030.

As a landlord, you have a legal responsibility to ensure your rental property is safe, secure, and free from hazards that could harm your tenants. This applies whether you let out a self-contained property, a house in multiple occupation (HMO), or even just a single room in your own home.

Failure to meet health and safety standards could result in legal action, financial penalties, and invalidated landlord insurance policies. This brief guide outlines your key responsibilities and how they relate to landlord insurance.

Who enforces safety standards in rental properties?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing legislation regarding safety in rented properties. They set clear legal regulations on various aspects, such as gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety – even water systems – and overall property condition. Local councils also inspect rental properties, particularly HMOs, to ensure landlords comply with safety laws.

How safety regulations impact your landlord insurance

Your compliance with safety regulations directly affects the validity of your landlord insurance. If you fail to meet legal safety standards, landlord insurance providers may:

• refuse to pay out on claims if non-compliance contributed to property damage or injury;
• cancel your policy due to negligence;
• hold you liable for tenant injuries, potentially leading to costly lawsuits.

To avoid invalidating your insurance, ensure you meet the minimum legal safety requirements and keep records of all inspections, certificates, and maintenance work.

Essential safety measures for UK landlords

1. Gas safety regulations for landlords

As a landlord, you must:

• maintain all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in a safe condition;
• arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer;
• provide tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate within 28 days of inspection;
• keep a record of gas safety checks for at least two years;
• install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances such as wood-burning stoves.

Failure to meet gas safety regulations can result in fines or even imprisonment in severe cases.

2. Electrical safety responsibilities

Landlords have a legal duty of care to ensure electrical installations and appliances are safe, such as:

• fixed electrical installations, including wiring, sockets, and fuse boxes, must be in good condition;
• all supplied electrical appliances, such as kettles, cookers, and fridges, must be safe to use;
• electrical inspections at least every five years by a qualified electrician and the provision of reports that go to the tenant, any new tenant, and the local housing authority if requested;
• portable appliance testing (PAT) for supplied electrical devices can help ensure compliance.

Unsafe electrics can lead to fires, electric shocks, and invalidated landlord insurance claims.

3. Fire safety requirements in rental properties

Fire safety is a critical landlord responsibility. You must:

• provide working smoke alarms on each floor of the property;
• ensure a clear, unobstructed escape route for tenants;
• install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel-burning appliances;
• use fire-safe furnishings if the property is furnished;
• provide fire alarms and extinguishers in large HMOs with three storeys or more as well as meet special requirements (such as the installation of fire safety doors).

Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can result in fines and potential criminal charges in cases of serious injury or death.

4. Landlord liability and tenant safety

Under common law, landlords owe tenants a duty of care to maintain a safe living environment. This means:

• repairing structural defects such as damp, broken stairs, or loose tiles;
• fixing faulty locks or broken doors and windows to prevent security risks;
• addressing mould or damp issues that could harm tenant health;
• ensuring communal areas in HMOs are well-maintained and safe;

If a tenant or visitor is injured due to negligence, the landlord could be sued for compensation and medical costs. This is why landlord insurance typically includes public liability cover.

How to stay compliant and protect your property

• keep accurate records of all inspections, repairs, and safety checks;
• work with gas safe and NICEIC-registered engineers for gas and electrical work;
• review your landlord insurance policy annually to ensure it covers liability risks;
• regularly inspect the property and respond promptly to tenant concerns;
• follow local authority guidance for HMO properties or council licensing schemes.

Final thoughts: Why safety compliance is essential for landlords

By ensuring your rental property is legally compliant, you:

• protect your tenants from potential harm;
• avoid fines, legal action, and invalidated let property insurance claims;
• maintain your reputation as a responsible landlord;
• reduce risks and liabilities associated with property rental;

Failing to meet safety standards isn’t just a legal issue – it’s a serious financial risk. Investing in proper safety measures and landlord insurance will safeguard your property, tenants, and business.

Protect your property and rental business – stay compliant, stay covered, and stay ahead.

Further reading: Landlord Legislation Guide.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, laws and regulations may change, and requirements may vary depending on local authorities and specific circumstances. 

As the wintry weather bites, you’ll inevitably want to turn up the heating at home. But you’ll also want to balance your comfort against the constraints of your budget – energy costs an increasing amount of your hard-earned cash.

We’ve previously offered a few energy-saving tips with fairly quick and simple ideas you can use in our blogs:

• How to cut energy bills and
• How to save even more money on your energy costs

But in a bid to help you stay warm while at the same time saving still more of that costly energy, here are a few extra suggestions.

Upgrade your home’s energy efficiency

A wide array of government schemes are available to help in upgrading the energy efficiency of your home. These are brought together under the general umbrella of the Green Deal – which provides repayable loans for the work to be done.

The government website lists a range of improvements potentially eligible for such financial assistance, including:

• replacement doors and windows;

• double glazing;

• energy-efficient lighting;

• insulation;

• draught proofing;

• upgraded heating; and

• renewable energy (for example, solar energy or wind power).

Smart technology saves money on household bills

Smart technology is transforming homes, helping you cut costs and improve energy efficiency. These systems are designed to prevent energy waste and lower heating bills, especially during colder months.

Energy-saving solutions

• smart meters monitor energy usage in real time, providing insights into consumption patterns and highlighting opportunities to save money;

• smart thermostats optimise heating schedules, adjusting temperatures based on occupancy and preferences;

• smart plugs and lighting further reduce costs by allowing remote control and automation, ensuring appliances and lights are only used when needed.

British Gas have some more energy-saving tips here.

Water-saving innovations

• smart water meters and leak detection systems monitor usage and identify potential leaks early;

• water-efficient showerheads and taps also help reduce consumption, lowering water bills without sacrificing performance.

For more water saving tips visit: Waterwise.

How can I fund energy saving improvements?

Faced with the question of balancing the comforts of a warm home against the cost of making energy-efficiency improvements, many homeowners will be asking “how can I fund home improvements?”

While the range of funding sources is surprisingly broad, it can take a while to negotiate the various schemes available. You should also note that schemes may change or be withdrawn, plus may only be available in certain areas of the country or have eligibility requirements.

• Home Upgrade Grant

In addition to the umbrella coverage of the government’s Green Deal, for example, in England there is the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) for those in housing with a poor energy efficiency rating who do not have a gas-fired boiler.

• Great British Insulation Scheme

The government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also runs the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – a £1 billion scheme that is designed to help as many as 300,000 eligible households (energy efficiency rating of D to G and council tax band A to D) with the cost of home insulation. Introduced in March 2023, the scheme is due to run until March 2026.

One-off payments

At the time of writing, there are two schemes that aim to support those most in need, with a one-off payment, ensuring homes stay warm and affordable in winter.

• Warm Home Discount Scheme

If you receive a Guarantee Credit as part of your Pension Credit and have high energy costs but a low income, you may also qualify for a one-off discount of £150 paid directly against your next electricity bill. This is yet another government programme called the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

• Winter Fuel Payment

One of the government’s more controversial decisions for the coming 2024/25 season introduced significant changes to the once-universal winter fuel payment. These energy-saving payments are still available but to be eligible you must now be in receipt of certain welfare benefits and be born before the 23^rd of September 1944 to receive the full £300 payment or be born between the 23^rd of September 1944 and the 22^nd of September 1958 to receive £200.

Can older homes still enjoy energy-saving costs?

Homeowners of older – sometimes those that are listed – buildings often despair about the imagined limits to making energy-saving changes to their homes.

But there is plenty of scope, according to a post by Historic England, that these improvements are perfectly possible even in older homes.

Keeping warm

From smart technology to government-backed schemes, there are potentially many ways to save on energy bills and improve home efficiency. Some can be small, easy-to-do wins, such as installing a Cistern Displacement Device (CDD) in your toilet or switching your energy supplier. While, for the “bigger” jobs (such as upgrading your heating system or getting new windows and doors), you may wish to explore funding opportunities to stay warm, save money, and make your home more sustainable.

The information provided in this document is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of publication, energy-saving schemes, funding options, and eligibility criteria are subject to change without notice.

We recommend checking official government websites or consulting with relevant authorities to confirm the latest details and requirements before making any decisions or financial commitments.