Help and advice for private sector landlords

New landlords

If you decide to become a landlord, there are certain legal obligations that you must be aware of. Failure to comply with the law could leave you open to prosecution. Gov.uk (external link) contains lots of advice to help landlords.

The Government has also produced a How to Let (external link) guide for landlords that covers:

  • Protecting tenancy deposits
  • Providing tenants with a How to Rent Guide
  • Carrying out gas safety checks
  • Meeting minimum energy efficiency requirements
  • Ensuring electrical installations and appliances are safe
  • Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms 
  • Houses in multiple occupation
  • Tax obligations
  • Right to rent checks
  • Rent increases

It is important that you follow this guide to make sure you are complying with the law.

Pet friendly tenancies

The Government has produced a new standard tenancy agreement that landlords can use that covers consent for tenants to have pets. The new agreement can be viewed on Gov.uk (external link) website. 

Private Sector Housing Enforcement

The Private Sector Housing Team acts as a regulatory body with powers to enforce standards in privately rented properties. Officers can issue formal cautions, statutory notices, civil penalties of up to £30,000 or initiate prosecutions.

Landlords are encouraged to seek advice from the team about complying with minimum standards and ensuring homes are safe. Property inspections can be carried out and written advice will be given, all free of charge. These inspections will not trigger any enforcement action. Further action would only be taken if the landlord fails to take action on any issues that are found during the inspection.

The team can be contacted on 01695 577177 or privatesectorhousing@westlancs.gov.uk

Tenancy relations

The Homelessness Advice and Prevention Team offers an advice service to tenants and landlords of privately rented accommodation to help resolve disputes or queries and prevent illegal evictions. The team can be contacted on 01695 585223 or homelessness@westlancs.gov.uk

More information