Landlord Compliance & Legal Obligations

At House Martin Agency, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of legal and safety compliance in the lettings industry. We require all our landlord partners to confirm they meet the following essential obligations.

1. Landlord Eligibility & Legal Duties

Landlords must confirm they are legally authorised to let their property. This includes having the necessary consent from mortgage lenders or freeholders and ensuring the property complies with all relevant safety, licensing, and insurance requirements.

2. Fitness for Human Habitation

All properties must be fit for human habitation and free from the 29 hazards identified in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Landlords are responsible for maintaining these standards throughout the tenancy.

3. Licensing & Safety Compliance

Landlords must ensure their property meets all statutory safety requirements, including but not limited to:

  • A valid Gas Safety Certificate issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a minimum rating of E.
  • Functioning smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.
  • A satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
  • Appropriate landlord insurance coverage.

4. Right to Rent Checks

Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring their tenants have the "Right to Rent" in the UK. House Martin Agency will conduct these checks on behalf of the landlord as part of our management services.

5. Deposit Protection

It is a legal requirement for landlords to protect their tenant’s deposit in a government-approved Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) within 30 days of receiving it. Landlords must also provide the tenant with the prescribed information relating to the deposit. House Martin Agency will handle this process for all managed properties.

6. Dispute Resolution & Complaints

House Martin Agency is a member of a property redress scheme, providing landlords and tenants with an impartial and independent service for resolving disputes. Should you have a complaint, please contact us directly in the first instance so we can resolve it.