Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Letting Agent Today. Read the original article for full details.

Letting Agents Urged to Address Overheating Risks in Rental Properties

Letting agents have been advised to provide guidance to landlords and tenants regarding the risks of overheating in rental homes. Propertymark has highlighted that the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) rules in England and Wales require agents and landlords to consider overheating as a property risk that may need assessment and management.

According to the report, overheating should be treated as a potential hazard, especially in properties with known defects or features that could increase the likelihood of high indoor temperatures. Propertymark's advice is aimed at ensuring that agents and landlords are aware of their responsibilities under the HHSRS framework.

The guidance is particularly relevant for properties where certain characteristics may make them more susceptible to overheating. Letting agents are encouraged to assess these risks and offer appropriate advice to both landlords and tenants to help manage and mitigate potential issues.

This reminder underscores the importance of compliance with existing health and safety regulations in the private rented sector, with a focus on tenant wellbeing and property standards.