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Yellow weather warning for Guildford

The Met Office (opens new window) has issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds and rain over the next few days. Read our advice during severe weather.

Private renting housing standards for landlords

Your responsibilities

As a landlord you must keep the property in a good condition. Tenants could take you to court if you do not carry out repairs after being told about them.

We have a duty to deal with unsatisfactory housing conditions in the private sector. We have set up the Guildford Lettings Accreditation Scheme to help raise standards and promote good landlords. 

We have a duty to deal with serious hazards. Three of the main hazards are damp/mould, excess cold, and fire safety. 

We have different ways of dealing with hazards, including:

  •  informal hazard awareness notices
  •  formal improvement and prohibition notices
  •  specific provisions for dealing with urgent hazards

Damp, mould and excess cold are often found together. See our advice on dealing with damp and mould.

An Energy Performance Certificate is needed in most properties, this is to show the heating costs but does not take account of any damage to systems.

Fire safety can be enforced in any domestic property under the Housing Act. Further fire safety guidance (opens new window) is available.

Help available for private renting standards

Private renting information (opens new window)

Fire safety in rented properties (opens new window)

How to rent checklist (opens new window)