Legal Obligations
Many potential holiday homeowners fear the ever-changing legal requirements, however, Chicoco have all of this in hand for you as part of our property management service. Not only will we help you get set up, we will also keep you compliant as time passes and any legislation changes. We offer piece of mind for these matters whilst your property is in our safe hands.
There are certain legal commitments when renting out your property, currently the Air BnB market is exempt from these, however pending legislation is set to amend his oversight. Chicoco Property Management will assist- in all matters below to ensure your property is compliant. We also log, tack and monitor any pending updates required to ensure you meet the Regulations.
Energy Efficiency Rules and EPC
Do you need an EPC for a holiday home? The current rules state that a privately rented property, which includes a holiday let requires an EPC of E or above. From 2025 new EPC rules will mean all newly rented properties will require a C or above EPC rating with existing tenancies having until 2028 to comply with the new rule changes. An EPC certificate is valid for 10 years, Chicoco will add your certification to our property register and schedule the required work in advance to ensure compliance..
Electrical Safety Certificate
Do you need an electrical safety certificate for a holiday home? Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, it is a mandatory requirement to have the electrical installations in rented properties inspected and tested to ensure that all new electrical installations are safe. New electrical work can include switches, sockets, fuse boxes, checking for overload installations, monitoring for fire hazards, and any new altered wiring circuits. The Electrical Safety Certificates can only be issued by a registered Electrician and need to be carried out at least once every five years. Chicoco will add your certification to our property register and schedule the required work in advance to ensure compliance.
Gas Safety Certificates
Do you need a gas safety certificate for a holiday home? Again, it is a legal requirement to obtain a Gas Safety Certificate. Gas safety checks relates to any gas appliance, including cookers and fires and any other fixtures or fittings that burn or exhaust gas, ensuring that everything is running as it should be. A gas safety check will need to be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer once a year. Chicoco will add your certification to our property register and schedule the required work in advance to ensure compliance.
Boiler Service
How often should a boiler be serviced in a holiday home? A boiler service is different from a gas safety check and involves checking individual boiler parts to make sure they are clean and working efficiently. These checks should be carried out annually in order to keep your manufacturer warranty valid, and as a landlord, you’re legally required to service the boiler in your rental property. Chicoco will add a copy of your service to our property register and schedule the required work in advance to ensure compliance.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing)
Do electrical appliances need to be PAT tested in a holiday home? A PAT test is a routine inspection of electrical appliances. It is the responsibility of the Property Owner to ensure that all portable electrical appliances, made available for the use of your guests, have been adequately tested by a reputable Electrical Engineer to meet the legal requirements and subsequently are safe to use. Class 1 appliances can be certified for 48 months and class 2 appliances for 24 months.
Fire Risk Assessment
Does a holiday home need a fire risk assessment? A Fire Risk Assessment offers in-depth analysis of any risk to life and property and must be undertaken by a qualified Fire Safety Engineer to be compliant with Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform Order) 2005. The Risk Assessment will involve testing fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms; all of which must be retained in your property. A fire risk assessment should be renewed annually, and it should be redone by a professional every 4 years as recommended by The Local Government Association. Chicoco will add your certification to our property register and schedule the required work in advance to ensure compliance.
Oil-Fired Appliances
Does an oil fired boiler require a safety certificate for a holiday home? There is no specific legislation to obtain a Landlord Safety Certificate for oil-fired equipment in situ in your rental property. However, oil-fired appliances must be professionally installed; regularly serviced and properly maintained, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, at least annually.
Oil storage tanks and oil supply pipe work should be checked regularly for leaks and general condition. Chicoco will add your service history to our property register and schedule the required work in advance.
Wood Burner Stoves and Open Fires
How do I ensure an open fire or log burner is compliant in a holiday home? Wood burner stoves are an attractive feature in your property, but for your guests to enjoy the benefits of wood heat safely, there are several preventative measures you must consider: –
· The stove should be inspected regularly
· The chimney should be cleaned at the end of each heating season
· Ensure logs are not stacked immediately adjacent to the stove
· Use a protective fireguard that is suited to the design of the stove
· The unit should also be placed on a non-combustible surface
· Carbon monoxide detectors must be fitted in the property
As ever Chicoco will add these important checks to our property register and schedule the required work in advance to ensure compliance.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety Regulations)
What furniture should I put into a holiday home? Under the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations it requires that all upholstered furniture provided by the Owner, such as beds, chairs, sofas, will need a fire-resistant label. Chicoco will audit all furnishings to ensure compliance
Landlord Insurance
Should I get landlord insurance for my holiday home? Landlord Insurance is not a legal requirement, however having a specialist Landlord Insurance Policy in place can ensure your property is protected.