Agents told to manage overheating risks in rental properties
Summary
Propertymark has urged letting agents to help landlords and tenants manage overheating risks in rental homes, noting that overheating can be a property risk under HHSRS in England and Wales. The guidance highlights that heat can worsen existing defects and that agents should log repair reports, identify vulnerable occupiers where appropriate, and arrange prompt repairs or improvements.
Why it matters
Residential surveyors may be asked to assess or comment on overheating risk, ventilation, insulation and related defects during inspections and condition reporting. The article reinforces that summer heat does not remove repair obligations and that property features can materially affect habitability and risk management.
Key points
- Propertymark says overheating should be treated as a property risk under HHSRS.
- Heatwaves do not remove a landlord’s duty to maintain the property and address repair issues.
- Agents are advised to log repair reports, identify vulnerable occupiers where appropriate and lawful, and instruct contractors promptly.
- Risk factors include poor insulation, airtight modern construction, glazing, limited cross-ventilation and faulty ventilation systems.
- Research cited suggests around one-fifth of homes in England overheat at current summer temperatures.
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