Tag: Landlords

As a landlord, you understand you have a responsibility to keep your tenants safe first and foremost. Naturally, you also want to protect your rental income against every eventuality.

But with several types of insurance available to safeguard every area of your rental, it isn’t always obvious whether you need landlord emergency cover as well…

What is the landlord cover? 

If your rental property needs emergency repairs, a call-out could cost you more than you think – let alone the headache.

Emergency cover is designed to protect your property, your tenants and your wallet should an unexpected event occur that causes unpredictable damage or makes your property unsafe for your tenants.

It is usually an additional cover that sits alongside your building insurance, liability insurance and, if your property is furnished, contents insurance.

What does the landlord cover include?  

It does vary between cover providers but typically you’ll be covered for situations such as:

• – Plumbing and heating problems (aside from normal wear and tear), burst pipes and boiler breakdowns

• – Water mains or electricity supply failure

• – Roof damage that causes a sudden leak

• – Blocked drains and sewer problems

• – Sudden pest infestation

   

Landlords may also have the option to include the following:

• – Annual boiler service
• – HMO cover
• – Gas safety certificates

PlusHeat, for example, offers customisable plans so you can select exactly what level of coverage you need. You can check them out here.

Do I need landlord cover? 

Unfortunately, the things our tenants rely on the most in their homes can fail without warning. If the boiler breaks down or there’s a sudden leak, it’s not only distressing for your tenants but can also be dangerous.

Repairs should be sorted as soon as possible to prevent further damage, reduce the impact on your tenants and make your property safe again. But arranging repairs can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. That’s where emergency landlord cover comes in.

It offers 24-hour assistance, 365 days giving you peace of mind that the issue will be sorted even if you’re not there to handle it yourself.

Also Read –

• What is Boiler Insurance?
• Tips to manage rising energy bills in winter
• what can you do if you smell gas?
• Heat Pumps: The future of heating your homes
• Are there any incentives or rebates for getting Boiler Covers in the UK

From time to time properties will need maintenance and repairs or a problem will arise that will need fixing. When letting, the law is clear about which repairs and home maintenance jobs fall to you, the landlord, and your tenant.

As a landlord, you are ALWAYS responsible for repairs to…

• The property’s structure and exterior.

• Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains.

• Heating and hot water.

• Gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation.

• Electrical wiring.

• Any damage they cause through attempting repairs.

By law, your tenant can’t be forced to do, or pay for, repairs that are your responsibility. Your tenant should only carry out repairs if their tenancy agreement says they can.

You only have to do repairs when your tenant lets you know there’s a problem, so they should be encouraged to inform you straight away when repairs are needed.

Tell your tenants when you can expect the repairs to be done. They should continue to pay rent while they’re waiting.

As a landlord, you are  NOT responsible for…

Any problems caused by a tenant’s negligence or damage caused by their family or friends. Examples of this could be leaks caused by an overflowing bath, not using the extractor fan after having a shower, a broken window, leaving candles unattended, etc.

They should also take care of your property by doing the little jobs which can reasonably be expected of them, like unblocking drains and mending fuses.

https://www.plusheat.co.uk/

Landlords Lockdown

Are you a landlord who needs to perform a gas safety check or an electrical safety check during lockdown? You may be unsure how to comply with your legal requirements during lockdown.

First, consider whether the work is essential or if you can delay it until after the lockdown.

This implies that you should postpone most routine inspections unless they pertain to a legal obligation. This encompasses gas or electrical safety inspections or reports of needed repairs.

Landlords must continue to fulfil their legal obligation to maintain their property in good repair and conduct inspections. However, you must balance this with the risk of infection and virus transmission.

Latest guidance for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Landlords have until 1st April 2021 to ensure rental properties have a valid EICR with any remedial works already carried out and copies of this paperwork given to tenants.

The pandemic has not changed this legal obligation.

Landlords must obtain a valid EICR with a ‘satisfactory’ rating from a qualified electrician. You must provide it to the prospective tenant before their tenancy agreement starts, or to existing tenants within 28 days of the electrical inspection.

If a landlord cannot arrange the initial checks or follow-up work, they must demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with the law.

Latest guidance for gas safety checks

Landlords legally must care for their tenants by actively repairing and maintaining gas pipework, flues, and appliances in a safe condition and by ensuring they perform an annual gas safety check

During lockdown, landlords should not suspend all gas safety checks as it will put tenants at risk, especially as people are spending most of their time at home.

However, there is a balance between keeping people protected from potentially fatal gas-related risks, and also from Covid-19. Therefore, considered each property on a case-by-case basis, completing safety checks where tenants permit access and gas engineers are available.

If a landlord cannot arrange gas checks, they must demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps to comply.

How does a landlord show they have taken reasonable steps to comply?  

If you cannot carry out the appropriate checks or remedial works, because the tenants are self-isolating, refuse access, or due to shortages of inspectors, then you should show reasonable steps to perform work.

Keep copies of all communications with your tenants and tradespeople showing you have tried to arrange the work, including replies.

It’s advisable to provide evidence of the appliance or flue’s good condition while you attempt to arrange work.

You should seek to arrange the safety checks as soon as all parties are available.

 How can I arrange repairs or safety inspections safely during lockdown?  

Repairs and inspections can be performed provided Government guidance for people working in homes is followed.

That means ensuring everyone follows social distancing practices and the inspector, tenants, or landlord are not symptomatic at the time.

If a visit is essential then you should ensure tenants understand social distancing and hygiene measures required.

Anyone self-isolating should not have any visitors unless the repair work would prevent a threat to their safety or life.

If the tenant is self-isolating, you should cancel any planned visits or inspections and rearrange them for a suitable time. Ensure you document this.

If possible, you should arrange safety inspections while the tenant is not home to limit the risk of infection.

PlusHeat Landlord property cover

Are you a landlord who needs to perform a gas safety check or an electrical safety check during lockdown? You may be unsure how to comply with your legal requirements during lockdown.

First, consider whether the work is essential or if it can be delayed until after the lockdown.

This means that most routine inspections should be delayed unless it is an inspection relating to a legal obligation. This includes gas or electrical safety inspections or reports of a repair being needed.

Landlords are still under a legal obligation to keep their property in good repair and ensure inspections are performed. However, this must be balanced against the risk of infection and spread of the virus.

Latest guidance for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Landlords have until 1st April 2021 to ensure rental properties have a valid EICR with any remedial works already carried out and copies of this paperwork given to tenants.

The pandemic has not changed this legal obligation.

Landlords must obtain a valid EICR with a ‘satisfactory’ rating from a qualified electrician. It must be given to the prospective tenant before their tenancy agreement commences, or to existing tenants within 28 days of the electrical inspection.

If a landlord cannot arrange the initial checks or follow-up work, they must demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with the law.

Latest guidance for gas safety checks

Landlords have a legal duty of care to their tenants to repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in a safe condition and to ensure an annual gas safety check is performed.

During lockdown, landlords should not suspend all gas safety checks as it will put tenants at risk, especially as people are spending most of their time at home.

However, there is a balance between keeping people protected from potentially fatal gas-related risks, and also from Covid-19. Therefore, considered each property on a case-by-case basis, completing safety checks where tenants permit access and gas engineers are available.

If a landlord cannot arrange gas checks, they must demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps to comply.

How does a landlord show they have taken reasonable steps to comply?  

If you cannot carry out the appropriate checks or remedial works, because the tenants are self-isolating, refuse access, or due to shortages of inspectors, then you should show reasonable steps to perform work.

Keep copies of all communications with your tenants and tradespeople showing you have tried to arrange the work, including replies.

It is advised to provide evidence you have that the appliance or flue is in good condition while you attempt to arrange works.

You should seek to arrange the safety checks as soon as all parties are available.

How can I arrange repairs or safety inspections safely during lockdown?  

Repairs and inspections can be performed provided Government guidance for people working in homes is followed.

That means ensuring everyone follows social distancing practices and the inspector, tenants, or landlord are not symptomatic at the time.

If a visit is essential then you should ensure tenants understand social distancing and hygiene measures required.

Anyone self-isolating should not have any visitors unless the repair work would prevent a threat to their safety or life.

If the tenant is self-isolating, you should cancel any planned visits or inspections and rearrange them for a suitable time. You should ensure this is documented.

If possible, you should arrange safety inspections while the tenant is not home to limit the risk of infection.

PlusHeat Landlord property cover