A reminder for letting agents and landlords

News Category: Legal

This article was brought to you by Rentman the premium property management system

Letting agents and landlords have been reminded that they are required by law to ensure that a statutory risk assessment is carried out on all of their properties that include flats and bedsits.

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA), which recently reminded landlords about the importance of using regulated agents, emphasised in a statement this week that assessing risks comes under the Fire Safety Order legislation.

All risk assessments undertaken by letting agents and landlords must be recorded in writing and they should be kept up to date.

"It applies to all flats and bedsits and it does not matter whether they are purpose-built or converted," the RLA claimed. "It applies whenever the building was constructed and applies as soon as a new block of flats or bedsits are first occupied."

Any company or individual responsible for such property could face a prison sentence if they fail to follow the risk assessment guidance and their tenants are endangered.

How to stay legally compliant with letting agent software