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Guide for private landlords - 4. Repairs, maintenance and safety
You must keep your property safe and well-maintained at all times.
Current requirements (legally enforceable now):
- homes must be free from hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- annual Gas Safety Certificate
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years
- working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
If your property is an HMO (shared by 3 or more people from 2+ households):
- you may need a licence from Norwich City Council
- you must comply with all HMO management standards (fire safety, amenities, space, cleanliness)
The upcoming legislation proposes:
- applying the Decent Homes Standard to all private rented homes
- introducing Awaab’s Law time limits for fixing serious hazards such as damp and mould
Good practice:
- act quickly on repair requests
- keep detailed records of inspections, reports, and actions taken
- use competent contractors and ensure certification is up to date
