Ask The Experts

Yes, there needs to be a smoke alarm fitted on each storey of your property used as living accommodation and you need to check these are in working order on the first day of a new tenancy. Your tenant will be responsible for testing the alarm and replacing batteries during their tenancy. You must also install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where there is a solid fuel burning appliance (i.e. coal fire or wood burning stove).

This is a scheme, introduced by the government, to make sure that people renting a property in the UK have a legal right to do so. The landlord or the agent must see the original identification documents of each occupier aged 18 and above and keep a certified copy for one year after the tenancy has ended. We carry out these checks as part of our referencing process.

These are usually paid by the tenant as long as this is clearly stated in the tenancy agreement. You would be responsible for paying any charges if your property is empty between tenancies.