Dorset Rentals: Your Rights & Home Standards Explained (Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch)

Ecosafe

Mar 187 min read

Living in Poole, Bournemouth, or Christchurch? Understand your rental rights and landlord responsibilities. We will cover damp, electrical safety, energy efficiency and much more!

The legal basics: Housing Act 2004 - How local councils protect you

In Dorset, the Housing Act 2004, alongside local council regulations, empowers the local councils to enforce standards for safe rental homes. This legislation ensures properties are free from serious health risks, such as mould, faulty electrics, and gas leaks. If you are concerned about issues like a landlord ignoring a leaking roof, know that this act is designed to protect you.

Housing Health and Safety Rating System: What it means for your home in Poole

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) - is used by inspectors to find potential dangers. It covers 29 hazards, extending from mould to fire safety. Here is how it works and what it means for you:

Hazard assessment: Inspectors score each hazard based on severity and risk. Local councils use the HHSRS inspection process to determine if a property is safe. For a more detailed explanation of the HHSRS inspection process, refer to this official government document: Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

Example: A tenant in Boscombe had respiratory problems. An HHSRS inspection found hidden black mould from a pipe leak. Fixing the leak and removing the mould made the home safe.

Damp and mould: Understanding the challenges in Dorset coastal properties

Our coastal location in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, while beautiful, presents challenges when it comes to damp and mould. The combination of sea air, humidity, and older building stock often leads to these issues in rental properties. We frequently encounter questions like, "What are the landlord's responsibilities for damp in a rented property?" and "How can tenants prevent mould growth?" Let's explore the specifics.

Common causes of mould and landlord responsibilities:

Poor ventilation:

Inadequate airflow is a primary problem. Older buildings, especially those with original sash windows or limited ventilation systems, are particularly vulnerable.
Landlords must ensure adequate ventilation. This can involve installing or upgrading extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring that airbricks are not blocked, and addressing any issues with window seals.

Faulty building materials:

Deteriorating building materials, such as leaking roofs, damaged guttering, or cracked external walls, can allow moisture to penetrate the property.
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building, which includes repairing any damage that could lead to damp or mould.

Rising damp:

In older properties, especially those built before the introduction of damp-proof courses, rising damp can be a persistent problem.
Landlords should consider installing or repairing damp-proof courses to prevent rising damp.

Condensation:

Condensation is a very common problem, and is caused by the warm moist air inside of a property, coming into contact with cold surfaces.
Landlords can help to prevent condensation by ensuring that properties are well insulated.

How tenants can help prevent damp and mould:

Daily ventilation:

Open windows for at least 15-20 minutes each day, even during colder months. This helps to circulate fresh air and reduce moisture build-up.

Proper use of extractor fans:

Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens during and after showering, bathing, or cooking.
Ensure that extractor fans are clean and functioning correctly.

Avoid drying clothes indoors:

If possible, dry clothes outdoors or use a tumble dryer with proper ventilation.
Drying clothes indoors releases significant amounts of moisture into the air.

Maintain consistent heating:

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, which can lead to condensation.
Maintain a consistent, moderate temperature throughout the property.

Furniture placement:

Avoid placing furniture directly against external walls, as this can restrict airflow and create condensation.
Leave a small gap between furniture and walls to allow for air circulation.

Fast reporting:

Report any signs of damp or mould to your landlord immediately. Early detection and intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
If you do not know who to contact about mould in a rented house in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, contact your local Council directly.

Additional considerations:

Professional surveys:

If you suspect black mould in your Poole rental property, a professional damp and mould survey is recommended. You can schedule an inspection here: Ecosafe Group - Damp and Mould Survey. This will help to identify the root cause of the problem and find appropriate solutions.

Legal advice:

If your landlord fails to address damp or mould issues, you may want to seek legal advice. More information can be found here: Citizens Advice.

Energy Efficiency: Understanding EPC Ratings in BCP Rentals

What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property in BCP?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require rental properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least 'E'. But what does this mean?

EPC ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), providing a summary of a property's energy performance. They are calculated based on factors like insulation, heating systems, and window efficiency. Higher ratings mean lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and a more comfortable home, especially during cold winters.

How can tenants improve energy efficiency?

Lighting: Use LED bulbs.
Heating: Use controls, insulate hot water cylinders, and consider smart thermostats.
Windows: Seal drafts, consider heavy curtains.
Appliances: Use efficiently.
Drafts: Seal drafts.

How can landlords improve energy efficiency?

Insulation: Upgrade loft and cavity insulation.
Windows: Fit double or triple glazing.
Heating: Install efficient boilers, and smart meters.
Renewable Energy: Consider solar panels.
Assessments: Get professional energy assessments.
Grants: Explore funding options. For example, Healthy Homes Dorset and Ridgewater Energy.
Local advice: Explore free energy advice here: LEAP (Local Energy Advice Programme).

Tenant responsibilities: Contributing to a safe and comfortable home

Tenants have responsibilities to maintain a safe and comfortable home. Here are the main duties of tenants in Dorset:

Prompt reporting of issues:

Report any maintenance issues, such as leaks, dampness, or electrical problems, to your landlord as soon as possible. Reporting immediately helps prevent minor issues from escalating into bigger problems.

For example, if you notice a small damp patch, reporting it immediately allows the landlord to address the cause before mould develops.

Maintaining proper ventilation:

Ensure adequate ventilation in your home by regularly opening windows, especially after showering or cooking.
Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent moisture build-up.
Proper ventilation helps prevent damp and mould growth, which can impact your health and the property's condition.

Preventing damage:

Do not block ventilation systems.
Take reasonable care of the property and avoid causing damage. For example, avoid overloading electrical sockets, which can lead to fire hazards.

Keeping the property clean and tidy:

Dispose of rubbish properly and regularly.
Maintain a clean and tidy living environment to prevent pest infestations and maintain hygiene.

Adhering to tenancy agreements:

Comply with the terms of your tenancy agreement, including rules regarding noise levels, pets, and property alterations.
Understanding and respecting the terms of your agreement builds a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

Allowing access for repairs:

Provide reasonable access to the property for landlords or their contractors to carry out necessary repairs or inspections.
Cooperating with scheduled appointments ensures that maintenance issues are addressed promptly.

Safety first: Gas and electrical checks in Dorset

Safety is essential, and landlords have clear responsibilities. Landlord gas safety certificate requirements are a common concern.

What is required:

Annual gas safety checks by Gas Safe registered engineers.
Regular electrical inspections by NICEIC-certified professionals.
Landlords must provide certificates.
Electrical safety regulations for landlords and RCD-protected fuse boards are recommended.

If you are a landlord and are worried about complying with these rules, then contact us today.

For electrical safety inspections, find more information here: Ecosafe Group - Electrical Safety Inspections.
For gas safety checks, our services can be found here: Ecosafe Group - Annual Boiler Servicing.

Ecosafe group, gas engineer fitting a new boiler

HMOs: Specific Rules for Properties in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs), particularly prevalent in areas like Bournemouth with its large student population and many shared houses, are subject to specific and stringent regulations. Both landlords and tenants must understand the HMO licensing requirements and the safety standards that apply within the local council area.

Understanding HMO licensing:

Licensing:

Mandatory for certain HMOs (5+ occupants, shared facilities).
BCP Council sets criteria (property size, fire safety, amenities).
Landlords apply, council inspects.

Safety:

Fire safety (alarms, escape routes).
Adequate amenities.
Good property condition.
No overcrowding.

Enforcement:

Council inspects.
Council can issue notices, fines, or revoke licenses.
Tenant protection is a priority.

Licensing criteria:

Property size and layout.
Adequate fire safety measures (e.g., fire alarms, escape routes).
Sufficient amenities (e.g., kitchen and bathroom facilities).
Proper waste disposal arrangements.
The "fit and proper" person test for the landlord.

The safety standards for HMOs:

Fire safety:

Smoke alarms on every floor.
Fire escape routes.
Fire doors and fire extinguishers were required.
Regular fire alarm testing.

Amenities and facilities:

Adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities for the number of occupants.
Including cooking appliances, sinks, toilets, and showers.

Property conditions:

Maintained in good condition, free from damp, mould, and other hazards.
Electrical and gas safety checks carried out regularly.

Overcrowding:

The number of occupants must comply with the licensing conditions.