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Starting up

Setting up a business involves complying with a range of legal requirements. Find out which ones apply to you and your new enterprise.

Pay and pensions

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

Sector specific law

What particular regulations do specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm) need to follow? We explain some of the key legal issues to consider for 200 types of business.

Business ownership and management

While poor governance can bring serious legal consequences, the law can also protect business owners and managers and help to prevent conflict.

Working time: hours, leave, flexible working

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

Employment policies

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

Finance and business strategy

Whether you want to raise finance, join forces with someone else, buy or sell a business, it pays to be aware of the legal implications.

Sickness and sick pay

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Marketing and selling

Marketing matters. Marketing drives sales for businesses of all sizes by ensuring that customers think of their brand when they want to buy.

Maternity, paternity and adoption

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

Contracts, disputes

Commercial disputes can prove time-consuming, stressful and expensive, but having robust legal agreements can help to prevent them from occurring.

Discrimination

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Commercial premises law

Whether your business owns or rents premises, your legal liabilities can be substantial. Commercial property law is complex, but you can avoid common pitfalls.

Managing home workers, remote workers, lone workers

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

Health and safety

With information and sound advice, living up to your legal responsibilities to safeguard your employees, customers and visitors need not be difficult or costly.

Information and consultation

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

Data protection and IT

As information technology continues to evolve, legislation must also change. It affects everything from data protection and online selling to internet policies for employees.

Discipline and grievance

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Dismissals and redundancies

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) isn't solely relevant to larger businesses or those involved in developing innovative new products: all products have IP.

Employment tribunals

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Exit strategies

Knowing how and when you plan to sell or relinquish control of your business can help you to make better decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

Personal law

From bereavement, wills, inheritance, separation and divorce to selling a house, personal injury and traffic offences, learn more about your personal legal rights.

What UK landlords need to know about boilers

Submitted by admin on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 13:52

Landlords in the United Kingdom are responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient heating system in their rental properties. In this guide, we will delve into what UK landlords need to know about boilers with a specific focus on the legal requirements for maintenance and safety considerations.

Legal requirements

Upgrade by 2025: As part of the Government’s plans to achieve net zero by 2025, all landlords must upgrade their boilers to A-rated efficiency boilers, which may involve removing gas boilers, which make up 90% of boilers in the UK. Other options include hydrogen boilers and heat pumps. All boilers must be insured and covered as part of their responsibilities as a landlord so that they can pay for any quick fixes and replacements.

Gas Safety Regulations: In the UK, landlords are obligated to ensure that all gas appliances, including boilers, are safe to use. This is governed by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. It is mandatory to have a Gas Safe registered engineer inspect and certify the boiler annually. A copy of this gas safety certificate (CP12) must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection. See also environmental regulation and protection laws.

EPC Regulations: Landlords must also adhere to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations. EPCs provide an energy efficiency rating for the property, including the boiler. Landlords must ensure that their properties meet the minimum energy efficiency standards. In some cases, this may mean landlords are required to upgrade the boiler to a more efficient model.

Boiler types

Combi Boilers: Combi (combination) boilers are the most popular choice for UK homes. They provide hot water on demand and do not require a separate hot water cylinder. Combi boilers are space-saving and energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for rental properties.

System boilers: System boilers incorporate a hot water cylinder, making them suitable for homes with multiple bathrooms. These boilers are efficient and offer good water pressure but may require more space.

Regular boilers: Also known as conventional or heat-only boilers, regular boilers require both a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank. They are less common in modern properties but may be found in older homes.

Maintenance

Regular servicing: Boiler service and maintenance is essential for both safety and efficiency. Landlords should arrange annual servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This not only ensures the boiler operates safely but also prolongs its lifespan.

Tenant responsibilities: Tenants should be educated about their responsibilities in maintaining the boiler. This includes promptly reporting any issues or faults and not attempting DIY repairs.

Safety considerations

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms: Landlords must install CO alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance (eg a wood-burning stove) or a boiler. Regular testing and battery replacement are crucial to ensure the alarms are functioning correctly.

Ventilation: Adequate ventilation in rooms containing a boiler or areas with gas appliances is essential to prevent the buildup of harmful gasses.

Boiler manuals: Providing tenants with the manufacturer's manual for the boiler can help them understand its operation and troubleshoot minor issues safely.

Replacing and upgrading boilers

Age and Efficiency: Older boilers are often less energy-efficient and may not meet modern standards. Landlords should consider replacing outdated boilers with more efficient models to reduce energy bills and meet legal requirements.

Financial assistance: Landlords can explore government schemes and incentives to support boiler replacements, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or the Green Deal.

In summary

Boilers play a pivotal role in providing warmth and hot water in rental properties in the UK.

Landlords must navigate legal requirements, choose appropriate boiler types, ensure regular maintenance, prioritise safety and consider replacement or upgrades when necessary.

By understanding these key aspects, landlords can fulfil their responsibilities and provide comfortable, safe, and efficient heating solutions to their tenants, ultimately benefiting both parties in the rental agreement.

Copyright 2023. Article made possible by Tudor Lodge Digital.

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