Safety Regulations - Know the Facts

As a landlord it is essential that you know the specific legal obligations and responsibilities you have 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 (replaced the Corgi register scheme on 1st April 2009) registered engineer. Kay & Co's Property Management department can organise gas safety certificates on behalf of our landlords using specialised Gas Safe Resgister engineers.  We are unable to release the keys to a tenant if we are not in possession of a copy of the valid gas safety certificate.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
As a landlord you must ensure that the electrical system within the property you are renting and all appliances supplied are safe. 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 (HSE) and although there is no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, Kay & Co advices all 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. Our Property Management department is able to assist in the arrangement of an Electrical Safety Test should you wish.

The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
It is the legal responsibility of the landlord to ensure that any furniture supplied with the apartment conforms to 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.