Stockton Rental Standard

7. Landlords must comply with all relevant housing legislation and regulations, including but not limited to the following:

• an annual gas safety inspection must be carried out in properties with gas installations
• the property must have an Energy Performance Certificate; the rating should be "E" or better
• where the tenancy is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) any deposits taken must be protected under a Government approved scheme.
• correct legal procedures for possession must be followed in all cases

8. Tenants should be provided with a written tenancy agreement at the start of a new tenancy and in any event must be provided with a copy of the Government Guide: How to rent; the checklist for renting in England. Here is a model tenancy agreement for your information.

9. Landlords must check all tenants' right to rent.

10. Landlords must respond to any reported repairs in a timely and professional manner.

11. Landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice for access in all cases except where access is required in a genuine emergency.

12. Landlords should try to minimise void periods or when this is unavoidable are encouraged to contact the Private Sector Housing's Empty Homes Team on 01642 527797 for advice and assistance.

13. Landlords should always act in a fair, reasonable and professional manner in their dealings with tenants. Landlords must not discriminate because of colour, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, or sexuality.

14. Landlords are encouraged to work in partnership with the Council and its partners (including for example the Police, Fire Brigade and UK Border Agency) on initiatives to ensure that properties and/ or tenants do not cause a nuisance to neighbours and the local community. This includes:

• joining our free landlord accreditation scheme (LAS)
• joining Private Landlords Supporting Stockton (PLuSS)
• working with us to address incidents of any illegal/criminal and anti-social behaviour, associated with your tenant/s and or property
• working with the Council on future private sector improvement initiatives
• seeking support from the Private Sector Housing Team if you have any queries about your obligations as a private landlord

Finally, landlords are reminded that safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is everyone's responsibility. Should you ever have any concerns regarding the health or well-being of a child please contact the Children's Hub on 01429 284284 or email: childrenshub@hartlepool.gcsx.gov.uk. And for any concerns regarding a vulnerable adult please contact the Council's First Contact Team on 01642 527764 or email: privatesectorhousing@stockton.gov.uk for advice and support.