Landlords urged to understand their obligations to their tenants

Updated research* from Cover4LetProperty.co.uk - the landlord insurance specialists – has revealed that 31% of private tenants are unaware as to when their boiler was last serviced – potentially comprising their health and safety.

The study also showed that:

• 89% of private tenants are unaware of their rights from April 2016 regarding the energy efficiency of their rented property;
• 81% on an assured shorthold tenancy that started or was renewed on or after 1 October 2015 said that their landlord did not give them a copy of the government guide How To Rent?

Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4LetProperty, commented: “While it is the responsibility of a landlord to ensure that the boiler is serviced annually - and an obligation under their landlord insurance policy - our research highlighted that 16% tenants said the last time their boiler was serviced was over a year ago.

“Our study also showed that just 11% of tenants were aware of the new legislation from April 2016 relating to energy performance ratings – leaving the other 89% perhaps living in a draughty home and paying more to heat it than they need to.

“While we specialise in helping landlords with protecting their property portfolios, we urge them to understand the obligations relating to health and safety, as well as helping their tenants save money on their utility bills.”

Ends

* Independent survey of 100 tenants carried out December 2016 via Usurv.