As a landlord of student properties, you are required by law to provide liveable and suitable accommodation. Even the most basic elements of a student property, such as heating must be in proper functioning order. But there are also a host of regulations involving health and safety.

Electrical Appliances
All of the electrical appliances in a student property must be in working condition. This includes even washing machines, microwave doors and cookers, which should all be free from corrosion. All appliances including those for heating need to be inspected and serviced on a regular basis. If cooker installation occurs, it must be inspected to ensure that the installation meets all safety standards. The ensuring of safe electrical appliances also applies to electric shower installation.

Any rewiring that occurs must be accompanied by an inspection to ensure no accessibility to any live wires, and no trailing or fraying of leads.

Portable appliance, or PAT testing refers to the examination of electrical appliances and equipment ensure that they are safe for your tenants to use. The frequency of testing will depend on both the equipment type and the environment in which it is used.

Fire Alarms
Your requirement as a landlord is to ensure that any property you provide for students complies with building regulations. This includes proper fire alarm installation. At least one smoke alarm must be installed on each storey of your student rental property. Any room containing a solid fuel appliance must also have a carbon monoxide alarm installed.

Fire extinguishers must also be both installed in appropriate locations and be completely accessible to tenants.

Any gas supplies and electrical items should be tested and if necessary, serviced before any new tenant moves into your student residence. Doing this will ensure the continued safety of your property for anyone living there.