Landlord Safety Regulations

Landlord Safety Regulations

“Important Safety Regulations”

Landlord Safety Regulations

Landlords, if self-managing, or their Letting Agent need to know over 700 pieces of legislation.  Three are of particular importance when it comes to advising Landlords about the basic responsibility they have for the safety of their Tenants.  As a result, Landlord Safety Regulations cannot be ignored.  Such advice will help Landlords avoid a £5,000 fine or six months in prison for non-compliance!

1. Landlord Furniture & Furnishings

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended)

Since March 1990, most furniture purchased new should be marked with a display label.  The label (depicting a smoking cigarette) shows that the item complies with this regulation. There should also be a permanent and non-detachable label stating compliance. Bed bases and mattresses should have a label stating that it meets BS7177.

The aim is to improve safety in rented properties by requiring all furniture and furnishings to meet the “match test” criteria.

The regulations apply to all upholstery and upholstered furniture, and loose fittings, permanent or loose covers including: beds, mattresses, pillows, armchairs and cushions, but excludes carpets and curtains.

2. Gas Safety Regulations

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

For all rental property, the regulations require that work to gas appliances and fittings shall be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer.

Firstly, safety checks must be made on gas appliances and flues in rented accommodation within 12 months of being installed.  Secondly and thereafter, checks must be made at least every twelve months.

You must provide any new Tenant with a copy of the safety check record prior to occupation.  Thereafter, a copy of the safety check record must be provided within 28 days of the annual check.

3. Electrical Equipment Safety

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

The regulations state that all electrical equipment supplied is safe, although there is no specific definition of “safe”. The least Landlords should do is to check all appliances between tenancies for obvious signs that they are unsafe, and check that they carry the CE symbol.

You must supply Information Manuals at the start of the tenancy if the safe operation of the item relies on specific know-how.  Additionally, new regulations are due to be introduced specifying the minimum qualifications required for people undertaking electrical work on Tenanted properties.

Finally, the residential lettings field is becoming increasing regulatory and complex.

Please feel free to contact us on 01273 735237 or enquiries@callaways.co.uk for good, straight-talking advice about how to find your way through it – AND see a good return on your investment.