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Safety

Safety is non-negotiable for responsible landlords. Browse the latest on gas safety certificates, electrical installation condition reports, fire safety regulations and the standards your properties must meet.

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Showing 26 articles in Safety

Landlord Today19 February 2026

Navigating the Rising Risks of Overlapping Licensing Conditions from Local Councils

UK landlords increasingly face risks from local councils imposing overlapping and duplicative conditions in licensing schemes, often creating 'double-dipping' offences already covered by national legislation. This article explains the issue, outlines practical compliance steps, and advises landlords on engaging with councils and seeking legal support to manage enforcement risks effectively.

landlord licensingdouble-dippinglocal councils

High risk

Property Industry Eye18 February 2026

Navigating ‘Double Jeopardy’ in Landlord Licensing: What London Landlords Must Do Now

Local authorities are under scrutiny for landlord licensing practices that duplicate statutory obligations, risking multiple penalties for the same breach. London landlords need to understand these challenges, review their licence conditions, and proactively engage local councils to avoid unfair enforcement. This article outlines practical steps landlords can take immediately to manage this evolving risk.

landlord licensingdouble jeopardyLondon landlords

Medium risk

Property Reporter18 February 2026

Maslow Capital’s £116.6m Wembley PBSA Project: What London Landlords Must Know Now

Maslow Capital’s funding of a major Wembley purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project, approved through the Building Safety Act gateways, highlights critical compliance and operational considerations for London landlords and agents involved in PBSA developments. This article details practical steps for navigating safety regulations and adapting to evolving student housing demand.

Building Safety ActPBSALondon landlords

Medium risk

Letting Agent Today18 February 2026

Navigating the 2025 Student Rental Surge: Strategic Insights for London Landlords

The UK student rental sector has attracted a £4.3 billion investment in 2025, driving new supply and presenting both opportunities and risks for landlords. London landlords must understand the impacts of increased PBSA delivery alongside ongoing regulatory challenges, particularly regarding building safety and planning delays. This article outlines key implications, risk mitigation strategies, and practical next steps to help landlords protect and optimise their student rental portfolios amid evolving market dynamics.

student rental sectorPBSAbuilding safety regulations

Medium risk

Property Industry Eye16 February 2026

What Minors and Brady’s Expansion Means for Landlords: Practical Steps to Navigate Growth in Estate Agency Services

Minors and Brady’s acquisition of a larger Norwich HQ and workforce expansion signals changes in local estate agency services. This article explains what these developments mean for private landlords in terms of compliance, communication, and lettings management, offering clear, practical advice to adapt effectively.

Minors and Bradyestate agency expansionlandlord compliance

Medium risk

Property Industry Eye13 February 2026

Major Police Update on Suzy Lamplugh Case: What London Landlords and Letting Agents Need to Know

The Metropolitan Police's new leads in the long-running Suzy Lamplugh disappearance case highlight ongoing risks around personal safety in estate agency and lettings work. Landlords and agents must reinforce client verification and safety protocols to protect themselves and their tenants.

Suzy Lamplugh caseLondon landlordsletting agents

Medium risk

Letting Agent Today11 February 2026

New Airbnb Leadership Signals UK Expansion: What London Landlords Should Do Now

Airbnb’s appointment of Lisa Marçais as general manager for Northern Europe and MEA signals a robust UK growth strategy beyond traditional hotspots. London landlords using or considering Airbnb should review their compliance with short-term letting regulations, anticipate increased platform activity, and plan strategically to manage risks and capitalize on opportunities.

Airbnb UK expansionLondon landlordsshort-term letting compliance

Medium risk

London Property Licensing10 February 2026

Havering’s New Licensing Schemes: What London Landlords Must Do by March 2026

From 18 March 2026, Havering Council will enforce borough-wide Additional Licensing for certain smaller and Section 257 HMOs, plus Selective Licensing for private rented homes in seven wards. Private landlords must apply ahead of the deadline, submit key safety and compliance documents, and pay fees to avoid penalties. This article breaks down the schemes, practical steps, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to different landlord types.

Havering CouncilAdditional LicensingSelective Licensing

High risk

Landlord Today30 January 2026

When Compliance Fails: Lessons from a High-Profile HMO Shutdown in Tamworth

The forced closure of two HMOs owned by a prominent Reform UK councillor underscores the critical importance of rigorous compliance with safety and housing standards. This article examines the case's implications for landlords, particularly those managing HMOs, highlighting risk mitigation strategies and urgent steps to safeguard properties against enforcement action.

HMO compliancefire safetyDecent Homes Standard

High risk

Landlord Today26 January 2026

Landlord Fined Over £15,000 for Illegal HMO Letting: What London Landlords Must Do Now

A London landlord was fined £15,872 for renting out an unlicensed HMO with serious fire safety and maintenance breaches. This article explains critical compliance obligations for HMOs, practical steps landlords must take immediately, and how to avoid costly penalties.

HMO complianceLondon landlordsHMO licence

High risk

Landlord Today25 January 2026

Landlord and Agent Fined £12,500 Over Unlicensed HMO and Unsafe Conditions in London N17

A landlord and managing agent in London N17 were fined a combined £12,500 after failing to licence a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and allowing unsafe living conditions. Tenant complaints about damp, mould, and dangerous stairs prompted enforcement action, resulting in fines, an Improvement Notice, and the agent's addition to the GLA’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker. The property has since been licensed and necessary repairs completed.

HMO licensinglandlord fines Londonproperty safety

High risk

Landlord Today25 January 2026

Health and Safety Failures Cost Landlords Thousands: Practical Steps to Avoid Enforcement Penalties

Two landlords were recently fined over £7,800 for health and safety breaches, highlighting the urgent need for London private landlords to maintain rigorous standards on damp, mould, electrical safety, detectors, and gas certifications. This article explains the legal obligations, what went wrong, and actionable steps landlords can take to protect their investments and tenants.

health and safetylandlord compliancegas safety

High risk

Landlord Today20 January 2026

Banned for 10 Years: How One Landlord’s Failures Offer Crucial Lessons for London’s Private Landlords

A Gateshead landlord has been banned from letting and managing properties for a decade due to serious breaches of safety and maintenance standards. This case highlights the urgent need for London landlords to rigorously maintain compliance with housing laws and licensing conditions to protect tenants and safeguard their businesses.

landlord banning orderhousing complianceLondon landlords

High risk

London Property Licensing19 January 2026

Brent’s New Additional Licensing Scheme: What Landlords Must Do by February 2026

From 2 February 2026, Brent Council’s Additional Licensing Scheme will require private landlords to secure licences for affected rental properties, bringing new compliance obligations and operational challenges. This article outlines the scheme’s key details, practical impacts for different landlord types, and concrete steps to ensure timely compliance and mitigate risks.

Brent CouncilAdditional Licensing SchemeLondon landlords

Medium risk

Letting Agent Today23 November 2025

Navigating England’s Top Vacation Rental Hotspots: Practical Steps for London Landlords

England’s vacation rental market is expanding and diversifying, driven by increasing traveller demand and evolving compliance requirements. Landlords must adapt by ensuring regulatory compliance, targeting niche markets, and enhancing their property offerings. This article outlines key platforms, compliance essentials, and actionable strategies to optimise short-term let success.

{"England vacation rentals""London landlords""short-term lets compliance"

Medium risk

Landlord Today21 November 2025

Winter-Ready Rentals: Practical Steps London Landlords Must Take Now

As winter approaches, London landlords face risks like burst pipes, damp, and fire hazards that can affect tenant safety and property integrity. This article provides clear, actionable maintenance steps—from heating system servicing to managing external walkways—tailored to different landlord profiles to ensure rental properties are well-prepared for winter and meet compliance standards.

{"winter preparation""landlord maintenance""rental property safety"

Medium risk

Landlord Today20 November 2025

London Borough of Brent Expands HMO Licensing: What Landlords Must Do Before February 2026

From 2 February 2026, Brent Council requires landlords of smaller HMOs (3-4 tenants from different households) to obtain an Additional HMO Licence costing £1,040. This article explains the new licensing rules, practical steps for landlords of all scales, and how to ensure compliance to avoid penalties.

{"Brent Council""HMO licensing""Additional HMO Licence"

High risk

Housing Ombudsman20 November 2025

Housing Ombudsman Report Reveals High Risks in Leak Repairs: Essential Actions for London Landlords

The Housing Ombudsman's recent report exposes severe maladministration in complex leak cases, highlighting failures in oversight, data management, and communication that have delayed repairs and worsened damp and mould issues. For private landlords, especially those managing HMOs or multiple properties, this underscores the critical need to strengthen maintenance controls and tenant communications to avoid health risks, legal challenges, and reputational damage.

{"Housing Ombudsman""leak repairs""landlord advice"

High risk

Landlord Today18 November 2025

Beyond Compliance: Proactive Carbon Monoxide Safety for London Landlords This Winter

As Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2025 highlights the dangers of CO poisoning, London landlords must go beyond legal minimums to protect tenants effectively. This guide outlines practical, actionable steps—from verifying alarm installations and servicing to tenant communication tailored to different landlord profiles—to strengthen carbon monoxide safety ahead of winter.

{"carbon monoxide safety""landlord responsibilities""CO alarms"

Medium risk

Landlord Today14 November 2025

Landlords Must Act Now on Carbon Monoxide Safety: Practical Steps Ahead of Awareness Week

With Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (17–23 Nov 2025) approaching, landlords in England face clear legal obligations to prevent the 'silent killer' hazard in rental properties. This article details key duties, practical compliance actions, and tenant communication strategies to safeguard homes and avoid penalties.

{"carbon monoxide""landlord safety""carbon monoxide alarms"

High risk

Letting Agent Today14 November 2025

Urgent Safety Alert: Thousands of HMOs in England Face Serious Category 1 Hazards – What Landlords Must Do Now

An analysis by Inventory Base highlights over 2,300 HMOs in England currently have serious Category 1 hazards posing immediate health and safety risks, despite an overall 18.8% decrease from last year. With the Renters' Rights Act strengthening enforcement, landlords must act decisively to inspect and rectify these hazards to avoid penalties and protect tenants.

{HMO"Category 1 Hazard""Landlord Safety"

High risk

Letting Agent Today14 November 2025

Essex Property Company Fined Over £58,000 for Unlicensed HMO: What London Landlords Must Do Now

A recent £58,000 fine for a property company operating an unlicensed and unsafe HMO in Essex highlights the critical importance of strict licensing and safety compliance. London landlords with HMOs need to urgently review their portfolios, ensure licences are current, and verify all fire safety measures to mitigate severe financial and legal risks.

{"HMO licence""HMO safety compliance""London landlords"

High risk

Letting Agent Today13 November 2025

New Police-Style Council Powers to Search Lettings Agencies: What London Landlords Must Do Now

From 27 December 2025, local councils will have extensive new powers to enter and search lettings agency offices under the Renters’ Rights Act. London landlords must act now to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and prepare for increased regulatory oversight. This article outlines the changes, their impact, and the immediate steps landlords should take.

{"Renters’ Rights Act""Council search powers""London landlords"

High risk

Landlord Today13 November 2025

Southwark Council’s Selective Licensing Enforcement: What London Landlords Need to Know

Southwark Council's decision not to enforce selective licensing rules against Chancellor Rachel Reeves after she let an unlicensed property highlights important nuances in local enforcement policies. This article explains the implications for landlords letting in licensable areas, outlines practical compliance steps, and advises on managing risks associated with unlicensed lettings.

{"Selective Licensing""Southwark Council""London Landlords"

Medium risk

Letting Agent Today12 November 2025

Carbon Monoxide Alarms: A ‘Silent Killer’ Every London Landlord Must Manage Now

Landlords and agents in England face strict legal duties to install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in rental properties with fuel-burning appliances. This article explains these obligations, practical steps for compliance, and how to protect tenants from this high-risk hazard.

{"carbon monoxide""carbon monoxide alarms""landlord compliance"

High risk

Landlord Today12 November 2025

Wandsworth’s Borough-Wide Licensing: What Landlords Must Do Now

Wandsworth Council’s new Additional and Selective Licensing schemes require all landlords in designated areas to secure licences and comply with strict fire safety standards. This article explains the schemes’ impact, practical steps for compliance, and how landlords can avoid enforcement action.

{"Wandsworth licensing""landlord compliance""fire safety"

High risk

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