Private renting housing standards for landlords

As a landlord you must keep the property in a good condition. Tenants could take you to court if you do not carry out repairs after being told about them.

We have a duty to deal with unsatisfactory housing conditions in the private sector. We have set up the Guildford Lettings Accreditation Scheme to help raise standards and promote good landlords. 

We have a duty to deal with serious hazards. Three of the main hazards are damp/mould, excess cold, and fire safety. 

We have different ways of dealing with hazards, including:

•  informal hazard awareness notices
•  formal improvement and prohibition notices
•  specific provisions for dealing with urgent hazards

Damp, mould and excess cold are often found together. See our advice on dealing with damp and mould.

An Energy Performance Certificate is needed in most properties, this is to show the heating costs but does not take account of any damage to systems.

Fire safety can be enforced in any domestic property under the Housing Act. Further fire safety guidance (opens new window) is available.

Help available for private renting standards

Private renting information (opens new window)

Fire safety in rented properties (opens new window)

How to rent checklist (opens new window)

Landlords must have the electrical installations in their properties. These must be inspected and tested every 5 years.

The regulations apply to:

• all new tenancies granted from 1 July 2020
• all existing tenancies from April 2021

You must make sure:

• you meet national electrical safety standards. These are set out in the 18th edition of the 'Wiring Regulations'
• you get a report from the person doing the inspection and test and set a date for the next inspection and test
• you supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test
• you supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they move in
• you supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report
• you supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy
• you keep a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will carry out the next inspection and test
• you must complete the work within 28 days if the report shows that work is needed

• you give written confirmation of the completed work from the electrician to the tenant and council within 28 days of finishing the works

You need to send your electrical safety certificates to regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk.

If there is a breach of the regulations

If there is a breach of the regulations but no urgent action is required, we'll serve a remedial notice. The notice will state the breach and action to be taken.

You can make representations against the notice within 21 days from the date it is served. This will suspend the notice until we have considered it. If we do not receive any representations, or the notice is confirmed, you have a duty to follow it.

If there's no appeal or the notice is upheld or varied, the works must be carried out within 28 days of the decision.

If urgent action is needed

If urgent action is needed and we believe you are in breach of your duty to carry out works, we will serve you a notice. If the tenant consent, we will then do the work.

Our notice will set out the:

• work required
• date the work was or will be started
• right to appeal the notice

For more guidance on the regulations, see Guide for Landlords on Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector.

All privately rented homes must be fitted with a working smoke alarm on each floor of the property. A working carbon monoxide alarm should also be fitted in a room that has a solid fuel burning appliance. You could be fined if you do not comply with this.

See the guidance booklet (opens new window) for further information.