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Managing a property - information for landlords

In this section

Landlord responsibilities

As a landlord you have a legal responsibility to keep your rented properties in good repair, safe and free from health hazards, and fit to rent for human habitation.

You must:

  • keep your rented properties safe and free from health hazards
  • keep the supply of water, gas and electricity in proper working order
  • make sure all gas equipment and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained
  • make sure the property is sanitary including the maintenance of sinks, baths, toilets and showers
  • ensure that and installed water or central heating systems are kept in good repair
  • fit and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • follow fire safety regulations, particularly where you have a property divided into flats
  • make sure your property meets all the health and safety requirements, particularly in relation to fire safety, damp and mould
  • make repairs in a timely manner
  • maintain the exterior of the property including drains, guttering and pipes repairs

Fit to rent

You have an obligation to make repairs to:

  • the building structure and exterior
  • installations such as boilers, pipes and electrics.
  • keep common or shared parts of buildings in good repair.

You might have more repairing obligations set out in the tenancy agreement. For example, if the tenancy agreement says that you will repair appliances.

Registering your rental property

The Renters’ Rights Act will require you to register yourself and your privately let properties with the Register your Rental Property Service.

You will need to register with the service using GOV.UK One Login. If you do not have digital access, you can register through a paper-based application.

Registration is being rolled out on a regional basis, starting will begin from 15 December 2026. For properties in Cheshire East, the registration window is 15 May 2027 until 14 August 2027.

For more information about how to register for the service, the dates for the rollout across the country and fees please visit Register your rental property service: guidance for landlords - GOV.UK.

Identify and report domestic abuse

You can help to identify tenants who may be experiencing domestic abuse or harm.

Signs of domestic abuse might be:

  • Property damage
  • Damage to doors/ windows that are not related to break in’s
  • Complaints of arguing and antisocial behaviour

If you suspect a tenant might be experiencing abuse, you can make a 3rd party referral or you can advise your tenant to call 0300 123 5010.

For more information see - Domestic abuse getting help

Legislation and sources of information

There are many sources of information including:

We can take enforcement action if there are hazards in a property that make it unsafe or unfit. We use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess for hazards.

There is a separate common law obligation which requires you to make sure that furnished properties are fit for habitation on the day of letting.

Contact the Housing Standards team

For more information email: privatehousing@cheshireeast.gov.uk

We can offer advice to landlords who are looking to improve a property ready for letting. There is a charge for the landlord advice service.

We respond to reports from tenants concerned about unsafe or unfit housing, and provide advice and carry out inspections.