Property safety advice for landlords

Make sure your property is safe

If you're a private landlord you must ensure the property you rent out is safe for tenants to live in.

If your property does not meet the correct safety standards your tennats may have the right to seek compensation, or legal action could be taken against you.

Damp and mould

Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.

Following the tragic death of 2 year old Awaab Ishak in 2020, the government has issued guidance for understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home.

You can also view our Damp and Mould Action Plan.

Gas Safety Legislation

As a landlord you are responsible for the safety of your tenants in relation to gas safety.  Find out what your legal obligations are.

Electrical Safety Standards

New regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at an interval of at least every 5 years. Landlords must provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested. Read the electrical safety standards for the private rented sector.

Fire safety advice for landlords

If you’re a private landlord or managing agent for a high rise block of flats, you may have received a letter from West Sussex Fire Service, reminding you about responsibilities for fire safety in your building. They have produced advice on regulations following the introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021.

Read the advice from West Sussex Fire Service.

Housing Health and Safety Rating System Guidance for landlords

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a risk-based evaluation tool to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards in private rented dwellings.

The HHSRS Guidance for Landlords and Property Related Professionals is written for landlords to help them understand the requirements under the Housing Act 2004.

Fitness for Human Habitation Act guidance for landlords

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 came into force on 20 March 2019.  It requires landlords to ensure that they are meeting their existing responsibilities with regards to property standards and safety.  It gives power to tenants to seek redress to hold their landlord to account without having to rely on the local authority. 

Private sector housing enforcement

From 2 January 2024, we will be introducing charges for issuing ‘Improvement Notices’ and other notices under the Housing Act 2004 under our Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy. Local authorities have the option to charge for these under Section 49 of the Housing Act 2004. 

The aim of the charge is to cover officer time involved in the process where a responsible person does not engage with an officer.  

The cost will be on a case by case basis, and will depend on the time taken and the expenses incurred. We estimate to be around £500.  

If the charge is not paid, it will be placed as a local land charge to be recovered when the property is sold until the invoice is paid.

The charging for enforcement is to cost recover costs for the work council officers carry out in issuing the notices.

More information on our private sector housing enforcement policy fees, charges and fines