Let’s Talk Rubbish: Advice for Landlords Carrying out Renovations

All rental properties need renovation work from time to time – it’s vital if you want to attract and keep good tenants.

But whether you’re making minor changes to refresh a dated property or investing in major extension works to add value, there’s one issue you can’t ignore. And that’s waste disposal.

Landlords have a responsibility to dispose of waste responsibly. While we’re not suggesting you would knowingly flout the law, with waste disposal companies frequently being exposed as cowboy operators, there’s no room for complacency.

Fly tipping costs local government close to a billion pounds a year and, along with being an eyesore, can pose health and safety risks. Unsurprisingly, councils are tightening their enforcement laws and hiking their penalty charges in response.

*Here are some tips to consider if you’re doing work at your rental.

Don’t assume

If you’re in any doubt about what your responsibilities are, check (ignorance is no excuse). For example, many people mistakenly assume that any waste from a residential property is automatically classified as domestic waste.

But rubbish and debris generated during the repair or renovation of a rental is considered commercial waste under the law.

Some council waste transfer sites refuse to accept commercial waste, so do your homework before you pay a visit to your local dump.

Could it be hazardous?

This is relevant to all properties but is especially pertinent if you’re renovating an older rental.

Lead was a common ingredient in paints used before the 1960s and was only banned from sale in 1992.

Meanwhile, asbestos was once frequently used in roofing, tiles and insulation. (It was banned in the UK in 1999.) Materials containing asbestos must not be broken up and can only be handled and removed by a professional.

Check a waste carrier’s registration

Before you use a waste operator, check that they have the appropriate registration (as your dealing with commercial waste, you must you a registered operator).

You’ll find the Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers on the Environment Agency’s website athttps://tinyurl.com/mt4zskyc. (Links to registered businesses in Scotland and Wales are on the same page.)

Record the date you carried out the check and the company’s name and registration number.

Keep an audit trail

You need a waste transfer note (WTN) for every load of waste removed from your rental property by a professional.

A WTN is a document signed by both you and the operator detailing the type of non-hazardous waste and the parties involved in the transfer. WTNs must be kept for two years.

The movement of hazardous waste must be detailed in a waste consignment note and retained for three years (this can be done electronically or using paper records).

If you’re considering upgrading your rental, we can provide advice about the standard of finish today’s renters expect and how to add value, get in touch today.

*Source: Local Government Association