Safety Regulations
There are several specific legal obligations and responsibilities on a landlord with regard to Fire safety for Furniture & Furnishings; Gas supply and appliances; plus Electrical wiring and appliances. It is essential that landlords take these responsibilities seriously as failure to comply can lead to large fines and even imprisonment. We can advise you further on all these obligations to ensure you have full peace of mind.
The Gas Safety Regulations
It is a landlord's legal responsibility to ensure that all the property's gas appliances and fixed installations are maintained in good order and checked for safety at least every 12 months by a “Gas Safe” registered engineer. Hart are able to organise gas safety certificates on behalf of our landlords using specialised qualified engineers. As your agent, it is essential that we are in possession of a copy of the valid gas safety certificate before we can release keys to a tenant for move-in.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
When letting a property, you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe, as failure to comply with the regulations is a criminal offence that can result in fines, imprisonment, invalidation of your property insurance and the tenant may also sue you for civil damages. These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive and although there is no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, it is advisable for landlords to have periodic checks done by a qualified electrician. In particular, Landlords are advised to ensure that the earthing and insulation of all electrical appliances within the property are safe and are regularly checked. Cabling, fuses and plugs should also be inspected and replaced where necessary with the correct rating for that particular appliance.
We are able to assist in the arrangement of an Electrical Safety Test should you wish us to.
The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
It is your legal responsibility as landlord to ensure that any furniture complies with these regulations. To make sure your furniture and furnishings meet the regulations we advise you to:
- Ensure that they carry a manufacturer's permanent and fixed label showing compliance at the point of sale.
- If possible, buy new from a reputable retailer as second hand furniture is more risky.
- Keep all purchase receipts
The regulations apply to:
Arm chairs, three piece suites, sofas, sofa beds, futons and other convertible furniture.
Beds, Bed bases and headboards, mattresses, divans and pillows.
Nursery furniture
Garden furniture which could be used indoors
Loose, stretch and fitted covers for furniture, scatter cushions, seat pads and pillows.
Bed bases and mattresses are not required to bear a permanent label but compliance will be indicated if the item has a label stating that it meets BS7177
The regulations do not currently apply to:
Antique furniture or furniture manufactured before 1950
Bed clothes and duvets
Loose mattress covers
Pillowcases
Sleeping bags
Curtains
Carpets
Any items purchased for the property after the start date of the tenancy agreement must also comply with these Regulations for the duration of the tenancy. If you have any doubt, it is best for you to consult your local Trading Standards Office.
