50plus

Problem solving

Whatever the problem we'll have our own experts or trusted third parties to solve it. Where circumstances dictate we'll undertake an investigation and produce a report in the first instance.

Investigation and reports

50plus plumbers, electricians, handyman, drainage experts, decorators and more get problems fixed, fast and our offices will book appointments with your tenants.

50plus repairs

50plus plumbers, electricians, handyman, drainage experts, decorators and more get problems fixed, fast and our offices will book appointments with your tenants.

Project management

Where larger repairs are needed, 50plus will project manage works, keeping the landlord, agent and tenants informed of activities whilst carefully managing the on-site workforce.

Required certification

Gas certification

50plus Gas Safe registered personnel will inspect and certify gas appliances in a let property annually.

Energy Performance Certification

Properties being marketed for rent require an EPC. 50plus will undertake EPCs. Certificates will be valid for 10 Years from the date of registration.

Other certification and mandated risk assessment

Testing of smoke and CO alarms

Landlords are required in law to ensure that working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and tested in rental properties in England. The legislation came into effect in October 2015. An overview of the requirements is shown here.

Electrical certification

A formal requirement for a let property to have a regular electrical inspection is in the pipeline (see below). At present 'all electrical circuits and appliances should be safe for use to the best of the landlords and agents knowledge.' In the past 50plus has provided an optional combined Landlords Electrical Safety fixed wiring and PAT (appliance) test certificate which we recommended was undertaken once every three years or at a change of tenancy. We also provided a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR - previously called a Periodic Inspection Report) as required by some local authorities and agencies.

Given the impending change in requirements 50plus now offers a combined EICR, PAT and smoke alarm inspection report (colloquially known as a 5 year report). This meets the requirement of the impending legislation. Check with 50plus for pricing, more information and advice or order on-line here. Read the Electrical Safety Council guide here.

In January 2019 Government announced that compulsory checks are to be introduced every five years on electrical installations in private rented properties. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have said the introduction will be phased in over two years. In the first year, all new tenancies will be affected, and in the second year all existing tenancies will come within the remit. No timings for the introduction were announced but the ministry said that properties that already have a valid electrical installation condition report (EICR) will not need to replace it until five years after its date of issue.

Legionella prevention

Although there is no formally required certificate for legionella risk, the HSE states "Landlords who provide residential accommodation, as the person in control of the premises or responsible for the water systems in their premises, have a legal duty to ensure that the risk of exposure of tenants to legionella is properly assessed and controlled. This duty extends to residents, guests, tenants and customers. They can carry out a risk assessment themselves if they are competent, or employ somebody who is."

50plus provides a legionella risk assessment service for landlords who do not wish to undertake this themselves. This includes advising on and where required undertaking the HSE recommended simple control measures such as:

• Flushing out the system before letting the property
• Avoiding debris getting into the system (e.g ensure the cold water tanks, where fitted, have a tight-fitting lid)
• Setting control parameters (e.g setting the temperature of the calorifier to ensure water is stored at 60 °C)
• Making sure any redundant pipework identified is removed
• Management of premises which are void for a period
• Advise on any actions arising from the findings of the risk assessment.

50plus also provides documentation for landlords to advise tenants of the need to inform the landlord if the hot water is not heating properly or if there are any other problems with the system, so that appropriate action can be taken.

Read the short HSE residential guidance here. Read the full HSE advice here

Plus

Advice on condensation issues , a particular problem is the autumn (fall) and winter. There's good basic advice from NHBC available here.