The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
It’s the Landlord’s responsibility to verify that all gas appliances, flues and pipe-work comply with the regulations and that annual inspections are carried out and certified by a CORGI registered engineer. This Safety Certificate should either be supplied to the tenant upon occupation or within 28 days of the inspection if they are already in residence. If no certificate is provided, we reserve the right to arrange on at the Landlord’s expense as we must always hold an up to date certificate on file prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
Under this regulation, Landlords should ensure that all electrical appliances, plugs, sockets, wiring and the electrical supply are safe and will not cause danger. They must also comply with all statutory requirements.
Whilst there is no current legal requirements for Landlords to arrange an annual safety check of electrical equipment, the legislation falls under the general Consumer Protection Act 1987, and a such the Landlord’s must demonstrate that it is safe. However, we would strongly recommend arranging an annual inspection as death or injury result from faulty electrical equipment could lead to the Landlord being prosecuted.
Instructions booklets should be supplied for all electrical equipment prior to the start of the tenancy to minimise the risk of misuse by the tenant.
Fire Safety: Furniture & Furnishings The Furniture & Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) (Amended) Regulations 1993
It’s the Landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the following soft furnishings comply with these regulations:
- Beds, headboard, mattresses, pillows.
- Settees, armchairs, loose covers, sofa beds.
- Cushions, beanbags, futons.
- Conservatory and garden furniture.
The only way to make sure that these items comply with the regulations is to check that they carry a regulatory display fire label.
Furniture manufactured between 1950 and 1990 cannot be supplied to a tenant unless it has been professionally re-upholstered with conforming materials. It is not generally acceptable to use fire retardant treatments.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Many Landlords will be aware that property for sale in England and Wales require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This will tell your tenant how energy efficient your property is on a scale from A to G. The most efficient homes which should have the lowest fuel bills are in band A.
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