Landlord compliance company
Discussion
Hi, I'm looking for some advice on if this is viable and if so how to get this off the ground.
A lot of landlords are not interested in the day to day running of their property’s and I'm thinking of setting up a landlord compliance company.
The main things I will be concentrating on will be;
Gas Safe cert (this will be subcontracted out)
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors
Install/replace smoke Alarms
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs
The control of Legionnaires' disease
Checks of included electrical equipment including plugs and sockets
The supply of energy performance certs (this may be subcontracted out to start)
I will also offer small repairs in-house or arrange for contractors to carry out work required.
My background is in water treatment and work shifts that give me plenty of time off. I have a company carrying out chimney sweeps, stove servicing etc but there seems to be a few company’s popping up doing this and it has been a bit quiet this year.
I've got a couple of buy to lets that are a couple of hundred miles away and it can be a pain trying to get repairs ect carried out.
So...do I go for it, do you think it would be something landlords would be interested in? Also what will be the best way, approach local estate agents and do some market research?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
A lot of landlords are not interested in the day to day running of their property’s and I'm thinking of setting up a landlord compliance company.
The main things I will be concentrating on will be;
Gas Safe cert (this will be subcontracted out)
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors
Install/replace smoke Alarms
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs
The control of Legionnaires' disease
Checks of included electrical equipment including plugs and sockets
The supply of energy performance certs (this may be subcontracted out to start)
I will also offer small repairs in-house or arrange for contractors to carry out work required.
My background is in water treatment and work shifts that give me plenty of time off. I have a company carrying out chimney sweeps, stove servicing etc but there seems to be a few company’s popping up doing this and it has been a bit quiet this year.
I've got a couple of buy to lets that are a couple of hundred miles away and it can be a pain trying to get repairs ect carried out.
So...do I go for it, do you think it would be something landlords would be interested in? Also what will be the best way, approach local estate agents and do some market research?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Edited by Carbonio on Saturday 16th April 00:54
If a landlord doesn't want to run the day to day then they would employ an agent.
A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
A lot of the things you mention are necessary only once in a blue moon - EPC/ fire blanket etc.
What I would find useful is a service to sort out minor repairs.
In London a dripping tap can mean a morning on the phone calling plumbers to find one willing to sort this sort of minor issue. It's further complicated by my properties being in the congestion zone and having restricted parking.
When I do find a plumber, I then have to take time off work to be at the property as I don't know him and can't trust his work or have him unsupervised in the property.
I don't generate a lot of work and therefore have no pull with tradesmen. Perhaps your company could generate enough work to employ a tradesman or at least have them prioritise your requests.
I don't know how much I'd pay for that though.
What I would find useful is a service to sort out minor repairs.
In London a dripping tap can mean a morning on the phone calling plumbers to find one willing to sort this sort of minor issue. It's further complicated by my properties being in the congestion zone and having restricted parking.
When I do find a plumber, I then have to take time off work to be at the property as I don't know him and can't trust his work or have him unsupervised in the property.
I don't generate a lot of work and therefore have no pull with tradesmen. Perhaps your company could generate enough work to employ a tradesman or at least have them prioritise your requests.
I don't know how much I'd pay for that though.
98elise said:
If a landlord doesn't want to run the day to day then they would employ an agent.
A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
Most of the list are a legal requirement, but your right, I think I would be offering through agents rather than direct to landlords.A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
singlecoil said:
Carbonio said:
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Yes, get any written material you send to potential clients proof read. You will want to come across as professional.Carbonio said:
98elise said:
If a landlord doesn't want to run the day to day then they would employ an agent.
A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
Most of the list are a legal requirement, but your right, I think I would be offering through agents rather than direct to landlords.A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
The energy cert is normally provided when a property is bought/sold so no need to do it routinely.
Edited by 98elise on Saturday 16th April 17:17
This could have legs direct with landlords - agents can be useless and overpriced for minor repairs. Foxtons been in trouble for this recently. I in fact got rid of an agency mid term once as myself and tenant despised them and ever since I like rent paid direct to me not a middle company that may go bust. They did in fact go bust and many got burnt, but I'd got out in the nick of time. You could add inventory, tenant showings and routine condition checks to your list. I tried House Simple online agency recently but this was totally ineffective and an absolute disaster (feel scammed to be honest), so I think there could be a niche for you 
98elise said:
Carbonio said:
98elise said:
If a landlord doesn't want to run the day to day then they would employ an agent.
A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
Most of the list are a legal requirement, but your right, I think I would be offering through agents rather than direct to landlords.A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
The energy cert is normally provided when a property is bought/sold so no need to do it routinely.
Edited by 98elise on Saturday 16th April 17:17
Gas Safe cert (this will be subcontracted out)
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors - if a solid fuel appliance is in place but ideally for any room with a boiler etc
Install/replace smoke Alarms - been a requirement for a long time
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's - again, been a requirement for a long time
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs - a requirement to make sure all flues are in a good state of repair invalidates insurance if not swept as per recommended time frame for the fuel in use
The control of Legionnaires' disease - new requirement, please see below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-land...
Electrical checks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement but remove litigation if carried out, a lot of letting agents stipulate appliances must be PAT tested if included in a rental
Ken Figenus said:
This could have legs direct with landlords - agents can be useless and overpriced for minor repairs. Foxtons been in trouble for this recently. I in fact got rid of an agency mid term once as myself and tenant despised them and ever since I like rent paid direct to me not a middle company that may go bust. They did in fact go bust and many got burnt, but I'd got out in the nick of time. You could add inventory, tenant showings and routine condition checks to your list. I tried House Simple online agency recently but this was totally ineffective and an absolute disaster (feel scammed to be honest), so I think there could be a niche for you
Thanks Ken, I had thought about inventors, and condition checks, but not viewings but if I am dealing direct with landlords then that could be another angle.I've been involved with buy to let's for about 10 years so know how frustrating agents can be.
Gas Safe cert (this will be subcontracted out)
Plumber has my annual gas safe certs in his diary and arranges them with me/tenant depending as they come up.
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors - if a solid fuel appliance is in place but ideally for any room with a boiler etc
Install/replace smoke Alarms - been a requirement for a long time
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's - again, been a requirement for a long time
When doing the gas safe, he's also to do the above
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs - a requirement to make sure all flues are in a good state of repair invalidates insurance if not swept as per recommended time frame for the fuel in use
And advises whether this is required (there's no insurance issue here)
The control of Legionnaires' disease - new requirement, please see below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-land...
Should be taken care the majority of the time with the installation of a correctly specified system if I'm not very much mistaken
Electrical checks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement but remove litigation if carried out, a lot of letting agents stipulate appliances must be PAT tested if included in a rental
Every 5 years or so will carry out electrical safety checks. Not a major deal to do. Never heard of anyone asking for PAT tested anything.
Plumber has my annual gas safe certs in his diary and arranges them with me/tenant depending as they come up.
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors - if a solid fuel appliance is in place but ideally for any room with a boiler etc
Install/replace smoke Alarms - been a requirement for a long time
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's - again, been a requirement for a long time
When doing the gas safe, he's also to do the above
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs - a requirement to make sure all flues are in a good state of repair invalidates insurance if not swept as per recommended time frame for the fuel in use
And advises whether this is required (there's no insurance issue here)
The control of Legionnaires' disease - new requirement, please see below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-land...
Should be taken care the majority of the time with the installation of a correctly specified system if I'm not very much mistaken
Electrical checks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement but remove litigation if carried out, a lot of letting agents stipulate appliances must be PAT tested if included in a rental
Every 5 years or so will carry out electrical safety checks. Not a major deal to do. Never heard of anyone asking for PAT tested anything.
The Moose said:
Gas Safe cert (this will be subcontracted out)
Plumber has my annual gas safe certs in his diary and arranges them with me/tenant depending as they come up.
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors - if a solid fuel appliance is in place but ideally for any room with a boiler etc
Install/replace smoke Alarms - been a requirement for a long time
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's - again, been a requirement for a long time
When doing the gas safe, he's also to do the above
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs - a requirement to make sure all flues are in a good state of repair invalidates insurance if not swept as per recommended time frame for the fuel in use
And advises whether this is required (there's no insurance issue here)
The control of Legionnaires' disease - new requirement, please see below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-land...
Should be taken care the majority of the time with the installation of a correctly specified system if I'm not very much mistaken
Electrical checks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement but remove litigation if carried out, a lot of letting agents stipulate appliances must be PAT tested if included in a rental
Every 5 years or so will carry out electrical safety checks. Not a major deal to do. Never heard of anyone asking for PAT tested anything.
The sweeps are required if you don't have them done and have a fire or the tenant suffers from CO poisoning they you will not be insured as you have not kept the house in a reasonable state of repair, often hidden in insurance documents. As for CO poisoning then you could end up in prison, it has happened in the past.Plumber has my annual gas safe certs in his diary and arranges them with me/tenant depending as they come up.
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors - if a solid fuel appliance is in place but ideally for any room with a boiler etc
Install/replace smoke Alarms - been a requirement for a long time
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's - again, been a requirement for a long time
When doing the gas safe, he's also to do the above
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs - a requirement to make sure all flues are in a good state of repair invalidates insurance if not swept as per recommended time frame for the fuel in use
And advises whether this is required (there's no insurance issue here)
The control of Legionnaires' disease - new requirement, please see below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-land...
Should be taken care the majority of the time with the installation of a correctly specified system if I'm not very much mistaken
Electrical checks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement but remove litigation if carried out, a lot of letting agents stipulate appliances must be PAT tested if included in a rental
Every 5 years or so will carry out electrical safety checks. Not a major deal to do. Never heard of anyone asking for PAT tested anything.
If you can prove that you have carried out a Legionnaires risk assessment and that you are a competent person to do so then all well and good but how many pensioners who use BTL as part of their retirement fund are going to want to climb in the loft to inspect cold water tanks, go down to the house if it's more than an hour or so away to flush the system every couple of weeks on a void and make up the paperwork to record it?
Carbonio said:
98elise said:
Carbonio said:
98elise said:
If a landlord doesn't want to run the day to day then they would employ an agent.
A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
Most of the list are a legal requirement, but your right, I think I would be offering through agents rather than direct to landlords.A lot of what your aiming to provide isn't actually a legal requirement, and your not offering things that a landlord would need (rent collection etc).
You would probably be better of offering your services to agents rather than landlords.
The energy cert is normally provided when a property is bought/sold so no need to do it routinely.
Edited by 98elise on Saturday 16th April 17:17
Gas Safe cert (this will be subcontracted out)
Install/replace Carbon Monoxide monitors - if a solid fuel appliance is in place but ideally for any room with a boiler etc
Install/replace smoke Alarms - been a requirement for a long time
Install/replace fire blankets ect for HMO's - again, been a requirement for a long time
Chimney sweeps, stove servicing and repairs - a requirement to make sure all flues are in a good state of repair invalidates insurance if not swept as per recommended time frame for the fuel in use
The control of Legionnaires' disease - new requirement, please see below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-land...
Electrical checks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement but remove litigation if carried out, a lot of letting agents stipulate appliances must be PAT tested if included in a rental
If its a reasonably modern system (ie properly designed and installed) then there is no need to be atking any preventative measures.
nyt said:
A lot of the things you mention are necessary only once in a blue moon - EPC/ fire blanket etc.
What I would find useful is a service to sort out minor repairs.
In London a dripping tap can mean a morning on the phone calling plumbers to find one willing to sort this sort of minor issue. It's further complicated by my properties being in the congestion zone and having restricted parking.
When I do find a plumber, I then have to take time off work to be at the property as I don't know him and can't trust his work or have him unsupervised in the property.
I don't generate a lot of work and therefore have no pull with tradesmen. Perhaps your company could generate enough work to employ a tradesman or at least have them prioritise your requests.
I don't know how much I'd pay for that though.
As a landlord I think this is good advise, I'm more than capable of arranging the bits it the op's first post but around here it's a bit of a nightmare if silly things go wrong. I got quoted £200 +vat by a plumber to swap a tap over. Ended up doing it myself but a cost effective option would have very useful at the time. Once I've got tenants in I'd rather send people in to fix stuff rather than doing it myself .What I would find useful is a service to sort out minor repairs.
In London a dripping tap can mean a morning on the phone calling plumbers to find one willing to sort this sort of minor issue. It's further complicated by my properties being in the congestion zone and having restricted parking.
When I do find a plumber, I then have to take time off work to be at the property as I don't know him and can't trust his work or have him unsupervised in the property.
I don't generate a lot of work and therefore have no pull with tradesmen. Perhaps your company could generate enough work to employ a tradesman or at least have them prioritise your requests.
I don't know how much I'd pay for that though.
98elise said:
As a water treatment specialist what are your opinions on the risk of Legionnaires desease in a domestic property, and why does it only infect rented properties?
If its a reasonably modern system (ie properly designed and installed) then there is no need to be atking any preventative measures.
Honestly, the risk is very low. But even in my industry we have to have safety showers, domestic showers and hot water heaters etc checked by ourself and even though my guys are more than capable of doing simple checks, we have external companies that come in to check the systems, give us some paperwork and a nice little bill every six months.If its a reasonably modern system (ie properly designed and installed) then there is no need to be atking any preventative measures.
The point is, even in a well designed system you have to show that you have carried out the risk assessment, are a competent person to do this and can prove it.
andye30m3 said:
As a landlord I think this is good advise, I'm more than capable of arranging the bits it the op's first post but around here it's a bit of a nightmare if silly things go wrong. I got quoted £200 +vat by a plumber to swap a tap over. Ended up doing it myself but a cost effective option would have very useful at the time. Once I've got tenants in I'd rather send people in to fix stuff rather than doing it myself .
Your right, I think this aspect has got legs and may well look at the the minor repair side in more detail.nyt said:
How about a decent camera for photos and a right move account to place adverts for landlords.
Add reference checking and you'd be able to take a lot of business away from a lot of agents.
That could be another angle if it takes off but I have contacts who currently manage around 800 property's in Cambridge that I was hoping to tap into, I don't think I could do that if I was in competition with them.Add reference checking and you'd be able to take a lot of business away from a lot of agents.
I can't find any domestic Legionnaires' testers with a quick google search. A pity as I would like to be whiter than white and have it carried out.
The RIA's advice below suggests that professional testing isn't necessary
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/legionnaires...
I wonder why the HSE feels that let properties are so much riskier than owned properties.
The RIA's advice below suggests that professional testing isn't necessary
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/legionnaires...
I wonder why the HSE feels that let properties are so much riskier than owned properties.
nyt said:
I can't find any domestic Legionnaires' testers with a quick google search. A pity as I would like to be whiter than white and have it carried out.
The RIA's advice below suggests that professional testing isn't necessary
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/legionnaires...
I wonder why the HSE feels that let properties are so much riskier than owned properties.
I don't think it is that they are more at risk, other than on tenant turn over where a property could sit empty for an amount of time, elbows and dead legs need to be identified and flushed with temperatures on the hot water side to reach 60, ideally 65 degC to kill any bacteria.The RIA's advice below suggests that professional testing isn't necessary
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/legionnaires...
I wonder why the HSE feels that let properties are so much riskier than owned properties.
It's that you have a responsibility to the tenant and visitors, at the end of the day your not going to sue yourself.
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