All too often, landlords get something of a bad reputation. Often, we are chastised by those critical of the private rental sector, accused of shutting first-time buyers out of the market. For some, the buy-to-let sector benefits the landlords more than the tenants, but is that such a fair critique?

Considering the legal and moral obligation landlords have to ensure the safety of our tenants, I would argue no - emphatically. In fact, it is this very obligation that makes private rentals ideal for tenants at any stage of life. There is a great deal of legislation in place designed to ensure the safety of residents in rented properties; for example, working smoke alarms must be installed on every floor of the property, and each property must have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Heat detectors are mandatory, as is the annual gas test, and then there other measures many landlords choose to take such as the installation of humidity-controlled fans in bathrooms and kitchens, double-glazing, fire safety escapes and more. These rules aren't necessarily a one-time fix either - many of these checks and installations have to be carried out with each turnover of tenancy.

Failure to comply can leave landlords facing fines of up to £5,000, putting a significant dent in their cash flow in the process. In the interests of protecting our pockets, properties and most importantly the people within them, abiding by the safety legislation in place is of paramount importance.