Legislation enacted during the past 20 years provides safeguards for tenants in private rented property. There are minimum standards that must be met by landlords to prevent overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, poor building maintenance and dangerous living conditions.

Repairs

As well as having a duty to provide accommodation which meets specific space and other requirements, landlords are also responsible for repairs to:

• The structure and exterior
• Basins, sinks and baths
• Heating and hot water systems except where the tenancy has a fixed term of more than seven years (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985).
• However the landlord is not generally responsible for repairs arising from damage caused by the tenant.

Gas Installation and Appliances

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 require landlords in certain circumstances to ensure that the gas installation and appliances are maintained in good order and checked for safety at least once a year. A record of checks must be kept and a copy given to tenants. Only CORGI registered engineers can be used for this work.

Furniture and Furnishings

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989 and 1993) place obligations on landlords to ensure any furniture and furnishings supplied meet the fire resistance requirements set out in the regulations.

Further information

We have set minimum standards to be met in properties in multiple occupation (bedsits) in Redbridge.

Guidance for landlords and tenants on all such issues is available from our Private Sector Team  and information on Finding a Place, please view our Single Homeless Information Pack