The safety certificates every student house in Manchester needs
Landlords lose more sleep over paperwork than over tenants. Here is the full list for a student HMO, with how often each one is due and who has to see it.
Gas safety record
If the house has any gas appliance, a Gas Safe registered engineer must check it every twelve months and issue a gas safety record, still often called a CP12. New tenants must have a copy before they move in and existing tenants within 28 days of the check. Keep the records for at least two years.
Electrical installation condition report
An EICR is required at least every five years, carried out by a qualified electrician. Tenants get a copy within 28 days, the council can ask for it within seven days, and any remedial work it flags has to be done within 28 days.
Energy performance certificate
A valid EPC is needed to market the house, and the rating must be E or better to let it. The government has consulted on raising this minimum, so a house sitting at D or E is worth planning for now.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
At least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas boiler or fire. They must be working on the first day of each tenancy, and faults reported by tenants have to be put right.
HMO licence conditions
A licensed HMO carries extra conditions: a fire risk assessment, fire doors and detection appropriate to the house, minimum room sizes, and adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities for the number of people. Manchester City Council can also ask for a floor plan and for proof that the manager is a fit and proper person.
The rest of the file
- A legionella risk assessment, reviewed when anything about the water system changes.
- Right to Rent checks for every adult tenant before they move in.
- The deposit protection certificate and prescribed information, within 30 days of taking the deposit.
- The current government 'How to Rent' guide, given at the start of the tenancy.
- Portable appliance testing for anything you supply, where your licence requires it, and good practice in any case.
We track every certificate for the houses we manage and renew them before they lapse. If you would like us to check yours, ask for a free management review.
