Providing Heating In Rented Accomodation - What Does The Law Say?

[Jaimaa]

I have a rental property in the North West. It is tenanted by an elderly lady over 65 years of age. The Council are proposing an improvement notice requesting that I either install Full Gas Central Heating or Design, provide and install a full electric heating systemusing off peak storage heaters according to the guidelines.Is this legal and can they enforce this? This would cause me financial hardship and may involve structural/remedial works

What does the Law state/recommend?I understand that the heating has to be ‘adequate’ but how does the law define what is adequate (can ‘adequate’ heating include free standing heating)? Previously, there was a gas fire in the living room which was capped as it was not working. I have offered to re-install a brand new gas fire in the same place which was declined as not being acceptable by the tenant/council (although the this was the source of heating since the tenant moved into the apartment in 2009). I have also offered to install thermostatically controlled electric panel heaters for the living room but this was dismissed by the council that it would cause hardship on the tenant as she is on benefits. They are still insistent on the either of the two forms of heating which they provide the guidelines (as above).

I have mentioned to the council that it is not possible to install heating in the hallway as it is not wide enough and in the bathroom as this would pose a health and safety issue especially for an elderly person. Am I in my rights to refuse heating in these areas due to Health and Safety reasons?

Would I be within my rights to say to the Council if my proposals for adequate heating are not acceptable than the Tenant is welcome to leave and find alternative accommodation which would meet her requirements?

Thank you kindly

J

[Setmefree3]

Hi,This is what I found.

• Your landlord has to provide you with water, gas, electricity and sanitation facilities.
• Tenants are entitled to have central heating or other equipment for heating each occupied room and a boiler for heating water.
• The minimum heating standard is at least 18°C in sleeping rooms, and 21°C in living rooms, when the temperature outside is minus 1°C and it should be available at all times.
• Your landlord is responsible for any repairs and replacements required under the Landlord and Tenant Act (1985) and overrules any other document or statement.

[seduraed]

my council say that the heating must be wired in by a part P competent person. The reason for wiring in is to prevent the Landlord removing the heating when the council leave. What I have is heaters permanently wired to the wall but with a short cable allowing some movement. I don't use storage heaters. look at the modern electric heaters some of the modular ones are very good. If you cant supply heating then you may get prosecuted.

[meellis]

I am unsure about the laws they can use and how they can be enforced bur I do know that after I believe April of this year any property for rental can only have a contract offered if it is above a tested performance level to do with energy efficiency. I believe this can only be enforced at contract renewal stage but how this will apply to your case I do not know.

[Crazy council]

hi

The Council are proposing an improvement notice requesting that I either install Full Gas Central Heating or Design, provide and install a full electric heating systemusing off peak storage heaters according to the guidelines.Is this legal and can they enforce this?

Yes, and yes

Its normal as well, You have to keep propertys up to a minimul standard if you want to rent them out

Would I be within my rights to say to the Council if my proposals for adequate heating are not acceptable than the Tenant is welcome to leave and find alternative accommodation which would meet her requirements?

No,
This tenant has been there since 2009, be carfull that they dont consider your actions harrasment, i really think you need to speak to a solsitor before you interact with the council like that.