Keeping rented homes safe

If you’re a landlord letting out a home

Your responsibilities

You have responsibilities relating to:

  • keeping your properties safe and free from health hazards
  • having carbon monoxide detectors installed in rooms with solid fuel heating
  • complying with extra requirements if your property is a house in multiple occupation

A lack of knowledge could prove costly. More information on renting out a home is available from Gov.UK. 

Help with energy costs

We are aware that some residents will be reticent to ventilate their homes in the winter temperatures, especially in the current climate of rising fuel costs. Therefore, we would recommend sharing the below options for support.

There is advice available about how to keep warm and well. If your residents are having difficulty heating their homes, they may be able to claim financial and practical help. Residents should visit the Simple Energy Advice website for information about the help that is available or call their helpline on 0800 444 202.

Ofgem has further advice on what to do if they are struggling to pay their energy bills.

Depending on their circumstances and other criteria, they may also be eligible for support with their energy bills. The Warm Home Discount supports low income and vulnerable households. Please see the Warm Home Discount webpages for further information on eligibility and how to apply for the scheme.

The cold weather payment and winter fuel payment also help vulnerable households with their winter energy costs.

If your tenants are in in financial distress during this time, they should talk to their energy supplier, who will be able to discuss personal circumstances and consider options to help, including reassessing, reducing or pausing payments.