What Compliance Certificates do Landlords need in Scotland?
Navigating all the legal requirements, regulations, and best safety practices can be a lot for new landlords. The following five safety checks, reports, and certificates are considered mandatory in Scotland as of April 2022.
- EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report
- CP12 – Gas Safety Certificate
- EPC – Energy Performance Certificate
- LRA – Legionella Risk Assessment
- PAT – Portable Appliance Testing
- Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detector Install & Certificate
What is an EICR?
An EICR identifies any damage, deterioration, defects, and/or conditions that may give rise to danger, along with observations for which improvement is recommended. An EICR walkthrough and inspection must be carried out by an experienced qualified electrician or approved contractor (Quinnergy is approved).
An EICR is a formal document that is produced following an assessment of a property’s electrical installation.
It is required by all landlords to ensure your full electrical installation is safe.
Engineers perform diagnostics and testing on your systems to ensure:
- Circuits are not overloaded
- There is no risk of electric shock or fire hazards
- There is no defective electrical work
- There are no problems with earthing or bonding
For Landlord Compliance, an EICR inspection should be completed every 3 to 5 years to comply with regulations and to make sure there has been no degradation of the system or additional wear and tear on the apparatus.
After inspection, a report will be issued that will detail any dangerous or defective part of the installation. If required, remedial works to bring the installation up to standard can be carried out by ourselves, or be arranged with another provider of your preference.
What is a Gas Safety check?
Gas safety regulations require landlords to ensure that all gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition. Additionally, landlords must ensure that all appliances and flues are checked for safety at least every 12 months.
A “Gas Safe Register Engineer” must carry out the safety check on your property. At Quinnergy, we specialise in landlord compliance, and all our gas engineers are Gas Safe Registered.
A gas safety inspection and landlord compliance certificate includes:
- Any remedial work that needs to be done.
- Any unsafe issues that need to be addressed.
- The results of the safety tests and checks performed on the home’s appliances and pipework.
- A detailed report of which appliances and pipework have been tested and their locations in the home.
- Details of the landlord or letting agency and the property’s address.
- Information regarding the Gas Safe engineer who conducted the inspection and the date of inspection.
The Gas Safe Register in the UK does not provide a standard form for gas safety certificates, so documentation and paperwork will vary depending on the landlord compliance company you choose to work with.
At Quinnergy, our certificates are presented in the most accessible format for quickly viewing key information.
What are the Scottish Smoke Alarm Regulations and Why Do I Need a Safety Check?
In February 2022, the laws regarding smoke alarms in Scotland changed, requiring all Scottish homes to comply with the new smoke and heat alarm regulations.
Here’s a quick overview of Scotland’s new Smoke and Heat Alarm requirements:
- One smoke alarm in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes.
- One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings.
- One heat alarm in every kitchen.
- All alarms must be mounted on the ceiling unless directed otherwise by the manufacturer.
- All smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked, meaning that if one goes off, they all go off.
These regulations apply to all homes in Scotland, not just rental properties, ensuring the safety of all residents. There are no exceptions.
Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Landlords in the UK are required to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in every room containing a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, and in every room a flue passes through.
Although homeowners are not currently required by law to have CO detectors in their homes, we highly recommend installing one for your own safety. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, and poisonous gas that can pose serious health risks.
Must Carbon Monoxide Detectors be Interlinked with Other Detectors?
No, carbon monoxide detectors do not need to be interlinked with other detectors.
What is an EPC Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property’s energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions, providing an indication of the cost to heat and power the property.
EPC ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The rating is calculated based on various factors including the property’s construction, dwelling type, boiler type, insulation, double glazing, and heating systems. Once issued, an EPC is valid for ten years.
By law, all landlords and letting agents must have an EPC in place for any property they advertise for rent. The certificate is produced by a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).
In addition to efficiency and emissions ratings, EPCs include recommendations for improving energy efficiency and information on the estimated fuel costs for the property.
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment, and is it a legal requirement?
A Legionella Risk Assessment is essential for landlords in Scotland to fulfil their legal obligation of safeguarding tenants against Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory illness caused by Legionella bacteria.
These responsibilities are mandated by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Landlords are required to conduct Legionella Risk Assessments for each of their residential properties. This involves assessing water systems to identify potential risks.
To comply, landlords must implement preventive measures such as monitoring water temperatures, ensuring regular maintenance of systems, and maintaining detailed records of assessments and actions taken. Non-compliance can lead to legal repercussions and harm to their reputation.
Professional assistance may be beneficial to ensure thorough compliance and enhance tenant safety.
Watch our LRA video to learn more about our Legionella Risk Assessment service for landlords: LRA Video
PAT – Portable Appliance Testing
Scottish law requires landlords to provide tenants with safe portable appliances. This includes regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to ensure their functionality and prevent electrical hazards.
PAT testing, typically done annually, verifies appliances meet safety standards. Landlords must keep detailed records of the results of their appliance tests.
The legislation governing portable appliance testing for landlords in Scotland is found in two main sources:
- The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006: This act outlines the general duty of care landlords have to ensure the safety of their properties. Sections 13 and 19 specifically mention the requirement for regular electrical safety inspections by a competent person.
- Repairing Standard: Statutory guidance for private landlords: This guidance document published by the Scottish Government provides more detailed information on electrical safety inspections.
Landlord Certificates Made Easy
Navigating the landscape of landlord compliance in Scotland can be daunting, with multiple certificates and safety checks required to ensure legal adherence and tenant safety.
At Quinnergy, we specialise in simplifying this process through our comprehensive landlord compliance packages.
By subscribing to our Landlord Compliance Package, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with continuous property management and updating of all necessary certificates in the background, allowing you to focus on better things.
Trust Quinnergy, Scotland’s landlord certificate specialists, to keep your properties compliant all year round.
Related Posts
October 23, 2024
New EPC Regulations 2030: What Scottish Landlords Need to Know
EPC Regulations are changing, with all…
August 16, 2024
Landlord Guide to Lead Safety Regulations in Scotland
The Landlord Guide to Lead Safety…