The clocks have leaped forward an hour, Easter is nearly here, it's getting lighter (and warmer!) and that means the main tourism season is going to be starting very soon.
Holiday let owners up and down the country, and here on the Isle of Wight, will be bury preparing their lets for the coming seasons. However many holiday let owners are being caught out by new or existing regulations regarding their property lets. Alongside the well known gas and electrical safety checks, risk assessments and fire safety plans, there has been changed to smoke and CO alarm changes, and an often overlooked requirement for EPCs.
Here we run through some of the perhaps lesser realised legal requirements and other recommendations owners should check they are meeting.
Smoke and CO Alarm Regulations
Changes to the law in October last year mean it is now a legal requirement for CO alarms to be placed in any rooms containing a fixed combustion appliance excluding gas cookers. This goes beyond boilers which is where most owners already have them. As well as gas boilers, this now includes fireplaces, log burners etc.
Working smoke alarms must also be placed on every floor where there is a room used as living accommodation and must be tested prior to a tenancy starting. You must also carry out a repair to any alarm where you have been made aware of a fault as soon as possible.
EPCs
Although there is a somewhat grey area in part of the regulations, essentially holiday lets will almost certainly legally require an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of at least an E.
Currently, the guidance requires a holiday let have an EPC where it is rented out for four or more months of the year which most holiday lets will be, if it meets the HMRC definition of a furnished holiday let, which again most will, and if it is let out for less than 31 days to each tenant. It is likely therefore a high percentage of holiday lets will meet the above criteria.
There is a grey area, where the government states an EPC is required if the occupant, i.e. your customers, pays the energy costs. Now it is highly unlikely you as owner would separate energy costs on the bill, much like a restaurant would not separate energy and staffing costs on their bill, but given most owners will be building energy costs into the final cost, there is the argument that yes, the tenant is paying energy costs.
It is therefore advisable to have a valid EPC will a minimum E rating to avoid any potential issues.
If your property is below an E, don't worry as we can offer our energy consultancy service where we can provide advice and guidance on how to improve your rating.
Legionella Risk Assessments
Although not a legal requirement in its own right, legionella risk assessments are becoming more in demand. Owners have a responsibility to the safety of their tenants, and this extends to water safety.
Legionella risk assessments are recommended to be carried out at least once every 2 years and is further evidence the owner is taking occupant safety seriously. They are especially important in properties that are vacant for some time between lets.
Vacant Property Checks
Again although not a legal requirement itself, more and more insurance companies are demanding evidence the property when empty is being regularly checked for insurance purposes.
Failure to do so may invalidate policies and lead to issues should there ever be problems at the property, such as criminal damage or squatters.
My Property Does not Have These, Help!
For owners on the Isle of Wight, don't worry as we at Valerien Property Services can help you. We offer IOW EPC services with the promise of a quick turnaround, legionella risk assessments, vacant / empty property checks and alarm power tests. That's alongside other services such as PAT testing and inventories. You can see our full range of service at www.valerien.co.uk/services
If you need help, just give us a call on 07368 838213 or drop us an email at info@valerien.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.