Landlords Guide

A Guide for Landlords and Terms & Conditions of Business

A record of the safety check must be supplied to each tenant and a copy kept by the landlord and/or his managing agent for at least two years.

It is a criminal offence to allow a tenant to take occupation of a property where an inspection and any necessary repairs or maintenance works have not been carried out as described above.

Further information can be obtained from CORGI on 01256 372200 or at www.corgi-gas.com and also from the Health & Safety Executive Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300363 or at www.hse.gov.uk/gas

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

Impose an obligation on the landlord to ensure that all electrical wiring and appliances in the property are 'safe' and will not cause 'danger'. Electrical appliances must carry a 'CE' mark and instruction books or clear working instructions must be provided for the tenant. Confirmation that inspections have been regularly undertaken could be requested, although no specific time-scale is given, nor is there any requirement for inspections to be made by members of specific bodies, other than the person be competent.

It is recommend therefore that tests be undertaken for earthing, insulation and leakages prior to the start of a tenancy and that cables, fuses, plugs and sockets also be inspected annually and replaced where necessary.

Further information can be obtained from the DTI on 020 7215 1351

The Furniture And Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 As Amended In 1993

All upholstered furniture and soft furnishings supplied to a rented property and being part of a letting must comply with these Regulations which aim to improve safety by requiring they pass the “cigarette”, “match” or “ignitability” tests.

The Regulations do apply to:

• beds, headboards of beds, mattresses, pillows
• sofa-beds, futons and convertible/put-u-up beds
• nursery furniture and upholstered garden furniture
• scatter cushions, bean bags, window seats
• padded stools, padded chests and seat pads
• loose and stretch covers for furniture

The Regulations do not apply to:

• sleeping bags
• bed-clothes (including duvets) and pillowcases
• loose covers for mattresses
• curtains and carpets

Furniture and furnishings manufactured before 1 January 1950, when the inflammable materials were not in use, do not need to comply. This exempts "period" or antique furniture, unless they have been subsequently re-upholstered.

Most new furniture is required to carry a display label or fixed label to show that it complies with these Regulations and furniture manufactured since 1 March 1989 or sold by a retailer after 1 March 1990 will comply. Where there are no labels, contact the manufacturer or retailer for confirmation.

It is illegal to let a property with furniture which does not comply. If in doubt the items should be replaced.