Resources
Landlord Resources
Everything London landlords and letting agents need to stay compliant, protect their investment, and manage maintenance efficiently.
Legal Obligations & Compliance
Section 11 — Landlord Repair Responsibilities
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure, exterior, heating, hot water supply, and sanitary installations in good repair throughout the tenancy.
Gas Safety (CP12) Certificate
Required annually for every gas appliance in a rented property. Must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A copy must be given to tenants within 28 days.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Mandatory for all private rented properties in England. Must be carried out every 5 years (or at change of tenancy if sooner). Remedial works from C1 and C2 codes must be completed within 28 days.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Required for all rental properties. Minimum EPC rating of E applies since 2020. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be rented out without an exemption.
HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) Guidance
HMO Licensing Requirements
Properties with 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities require a mandatory HMO licence. Many local authorities also apply additional licensing. Check with your local council.
Fire Safety in HMOs
HMOs must have interlinked smoke detection in all rooms and corridors, CO detectors near gas appliances, FD30 fire doors on all habitable rooms, and a written fire risk assessment.
HMO Room Size Standards
Minimum room sizes apply under the Housing Act. Bedrooms for single adults must be at least 6.51m². Rooms below 4.64m² cannot be used as sleeping accommodation.
HMO Inspection & Enforcement
Local authorities have powers to inspect HMOs and issue improvement notices. Regular property audits and maintenance records significantly reduce your risk exposure.
Property Inspections & Record Keeping
How Often Should You Inspect a Rental Property?
Most tenancy agreements allow quarterly inspections with adequate notice (typically 24–48 hours). Document all inspections in writing and photograph any issues.
Keeping a Maintenance Log
A written record of all repairs, inspections, and compliance certificates protects you if disputes arise. Use your client portal to track all jobs in one place.
Responding to Tenant Repair Requests
Landlords must address urgent repairs (e.g. no heating in winter, structural hazards) within 24 hours. Non-urgent repairs should typically be resolved within 28 days.
End-of-Tenancy Checks
A thorough check-out inspection with photographic evidence protects your deposit deduction rights. Compare against check-in report to establish fair wear and tear.
Planned Preventative Maintenance
What is a PPM Schedule?
A Planned Preventative Maintenance schedule sets out all recurring inspections and services — gas, electrical, drainage, fire safety — ensuring nothing is missed and compliance is maintained proactively.
Annual Property Maintenance Checklist
Key annual tasks: gas safety inspection, gutter clearing (spring and autumn), boiler service, check smoke and CO detectors, inspect roof for winter damage, test all radiators before heating season.
The Cost Benefit of Planned vs Reactive Maintenance
Studies consistently show planned maintenance costs 3–4x less than reactive repairs. Identifying and fixing small issues before they escalate is always more economical.
Vertika PPM Contracts for Portfolio Landlords
We offer bespoke PPM contracts for landlords managing multiple properties, with monthly compliance reports, dedicated account management, and priority emergency response.
Working with Letting Agents
Setting Maintenance Budgets
As a rule of thumb, budget 1–2% of property value per year for maintenance. Higher for older properties. Agree clear spending limits with your letting agent to avoid unauthorised works.
Approved Contractor Lists
Many letting agents maintain approved contractor lists. Ensure your approved tradespeople are fully insured, Gas Safe registered (for gas work), and NICEIC approved (for electrical work).
Out-of-Hours Emergency Cover
Ensure your letting agent has access to 24/7 emergency maintenance cover. Delayed responses to emergencies — particularly leaks — can significantly increase damage and repair costs.
Client Portal Access for Letting Agents
Vertika's client portal allows letting agents to book jobs, track engineer progress in real time, approve quotes, and view invoices — all in one place.
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