On 1 February 2016, Right to Rent went live across England. This means all private landlords, including anyone subletting or taking in lodgers, need to carry out quick and simple checks on all new tenants to make sure they have the right to rent property in the country.

For more information about making the checks, visit the Right to Rent Checks website.

If tenants are leaving or moving into one of your properties, or if there is a change of tenants at an address, let us know by completing our online form.

Common hazards that tend to happen in and around a home include:

• Damp and mould growth
• Lack of, or inadequate heating - fixed heating systems should be able to maintain 19 degrees in habitable rooms when the outside temperature is -1.
• Lack of, or inadequate artificial or natural ventilation. For example, extractor fans and windows
• Asbestos
• Carbon Monoxide - properties where there are gas appliances and solid fuel appliances should have working carbon monoxide detectors. In some circumstances it is a legal requirement.
• Lead pipes
• Radon
• Gas leak/ Explosions
• Overcrowding/lack of space
• Absence of locks/security devices
• Lighting, natural and artificial
• Refuse
• Pests
• Food safety
• Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
• Water supply, adequate supply of hot and cold running water (Wessex Water / South West Water)
• Falls associated with baths and showers
• Slips, trips and falls on level floors
• Falling on stairs and steps
• Falling from height
• Burns, scalds, collisions, cuts and strains
• Electrical hazards
• Fire safety hazards, for example smoke and heat detectors and fire doors
• Structural collapse and falling items, for example roof tiles and ceilings

To help save energy and money on your energy bills, follow these simple tips.

There are also a range of grants and schemes available:

• Energy Saving Trust
• Centre for Sustainable Energy
• The Green Deal
• The Community Council for Somerset community oil buying scheme
• The Hard to Treat Scheme – We work with the Centre of Sustainable Energy to fund up to 50% of the total cost of complex insulation work where, for example, properties have solid walls and floors and no loft space.
• Eco Flex – The ECO flexibility scheme makes sure that households living in fuel poverty, who do not claim means tested benefits, are able to access ECO Affordable Warmth. For more information, view our Statement of Intent.

Advice on managing bills and switching your fuel supplier

If a letting agent doesn't resolve an issue or complaint, you can report it to a government-approved letting agent redress scheme.

• Download the LACORS Landlord Handbook
• Find out about Energy Performance Certificates
• Guidance and advice on Gas Safety
• Information on the Government’s Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• A landlord's guide to electrical safety in rented property
• A guide on ‘How to become a landlord’
• Visit the Shelter website to find out about the Local Housing Allowance
• Guidance on Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms