Building Safety: How To Know If A Property Is Safe To Rent

Finding a property to rent can be a daunting task. It doesn’t matter how many times you have had to perform this process, finding a place to live within commuter distance of your current life that is affordable can be a challenge. Sites such as Kamernet enable you to explore different types of accommodation and furnishing options to help you narrow down your choices. Beyond the hunt for the ideal location and within-budget rent, it is imperative to ensure that the building is safe.

You may not know this, but there is a list of legal safety measures that a property must meet for it to function as a legal rental space. Every landlord knows this, so make sure you check the following before you go ahead as a new tenant in a rented flat or house.

Why Is Safety Relevant

When you rent a property, it quickly becomes your home. Knowing that the building you have made your own is structurally sound and devoid of health hazards is essential for your peace of mind.

The housing market is governed by strict regulations in the UK. These include the Housing Act of 2004, which introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and the Regulatory Reform Order of 2005. This means that the law agrees that safety in a property is just as important as you think it is. This is especially true if you are moving into a new place with loved ones. Ensuring that the building complies with all necessary regulations is vital for your safety and security.

The Structure

The last thing you want to have to deal with as a new tenant is the place crumbling around you. What’s worse is having a landlord try and blame your living habits on the structural damage of the building. Fortunately, you can mitigate this claim by giving the place an exterior inspection before you move in. Start by examining the outside of the building. Look for cracks in the walls, loose bricks or tiles, and signs of water damage. Key areas to check for structural damage include: Ensure the property is well-protected from water damage. Look for signs of dampness or leaks, and consider professional structural waterproofing services in Bristol for long-term safety and protection.  

– The roof

– Windows

– Doors

– Guttering and drainpipes

– Gardens and outdoor spaces

 While minor cracks are common, large cracks could indicate structural problems.

The same should also be done with the inside of the building. When viewing the property, keep an eye out for signs of dampness or mould. These issues are easy to hide with the right cleaning supplies, but mould can quickly reappear after a few days of you living there. You should also once again be on the lookout for signs of structural damage. Also, don’t forget to ask if the building has ever been flooded or is in a flood-risk area.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is another big safety measure where the government has remained diligent. UK law mandates that landlords must install at least one smoke alarm on every story of a rented property. Check for their presence and ensure they are in working order. The lights on these devices should be enough to let you of their current condition.

There is also the possibility that a fire occurs even when the right equipment is installed. That is why you should make sure that there are clear fire escape routes and that fire exits are not obstructed. The doors should be easy to open from the inside without a key. This should be easy to do in a safely regulated property, as fire-resistant doors are legally required in shared buildings or flats.

Gas And Electrical Safety

As of July 2020, landlords in England must provide tenants with an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR certificate for short. That also means that you will definitely require an EICR in London. This document displays that the electrical systems in the property have been safety checked by an electrical inspector. This means that all electrical fittings and installations have been fitted properly in the rental property, so it is less likely to short out in a dangerous way or start an electrical fire. In Scotland and Wales, similar requirements are in place. Ensure you receive this document before you move in, which must be renewed every five years.

When it comes to gas in a rental property, the guidance is largely the same. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate before moving in. This document confirms that all gas appliances, fittings, and flues are safe to use. You should also keep an eye out for any carbon monoxide alarms in the building. It is mandatory for landlords to install these alarms on every floor of their rental property.

Energy And Insulation

Before renting a property, the landlord must provide you with an EPC for energy performance certificate. This document gives the property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). A better rating is indicative of better insulation, which can contribute to a safer and more comfortable living environment.

If insulation and ventilation are a big concern of yours, check if the windows are double-glazed during your viewing. If they are double-glazed it helps in maintaining a comfortable temperature. Proper ventilation is also important for preventing damp and mould.

Security

Feeling safe in your own home can come from knowing that nothing is going to go wrong on the inside of a rental property, but there are also dangers that can present themselves from the outside. Crimes like theft or property damage can occur if a building is not secure, which is another responsibility of the property’s landlord.

Make sure that you examine the locks on external doors to ensure they are robust. If the property has an entry phone system or security alarms instead, check that they are also operational. It also helps to research the local area. Speak to neighbours or consult local police crime maps online to gauge the safety of the neighbourhood if you are that concerned about it.

Accessibility

While all the things listed above are concerning for an able-bodied person, that does not mean that it is safe and secure for a disabled individual. Anyone in the UK should be able to rent and live anywhere, no matter their physical state. If you or someone in your household has a disability, you must ensure that the property is accessible and complies with the Equality Act of 2010.

This means that the property must adhere to the amenities and maintenance guidelines. Check that your essential amenities, such as water, electricity, and heating, are in good working order and accessible for a disabled individual. Also, enquire about maintenance procedures and the landlord’s responsibilities for helping make the building accessible to you or your family member.

Conclusion

Renting a property is a significant commitment. By evaluating the structural integrity, fire safety measures, gas and electrical safety, thermal comfort, security measures, and accessibility of the building, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe.

Before finalising the rental, ensure that the tenancy agreement clearly outlines responsibilities for repairs and maintenance. Having an understanding of who is responsible for what can play a vital role in ensuring the ongoing safety of the building.