Gas Safety Regulations 1994

These regulations came into effect on the 31st October 1994 to ensure that gas appliances are properly installed and maintained in a safe condition so as to avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is the responsibility of Landlords of domestic properties that ALL "Gas Appliances" and "Gas Installation Pipework" owned by him/her are checked for safety at least once a year by British Gas or a member of the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) and that accurate records are kept of those safety inspections and any work carried out. A current Safety Certificate must be available for any Tenant prior to the taking occupation of a property.

"Gas Appliances" - includes any fitted gas appliance, for example:- Central Heating System, Gas Heaters, Gas Fires, Gas Cookers.

"Gas Installation Pipework" - includes gas pipework, valves, regulators, meters and flues.

Faulty equipment can lead to death and a conviction of unlawful killing on a Landlord. Under the regulations any appliance that does not conform to the regulations can be disconnected.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS MAY JEOPARDISE THE LIFE OF YOUR TENANT AND LEAD TO PROSECUTION WITH PENALTIES OF IMPRISONMENT OF FINES UP TO £5,000.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety)

Regulations 1994

The above regulations impose an obligation to the Landlord to ensure that all electrical appliances left as part of a property are safe. Cabling, fuses and plugs should also be inspected and replaced where necessary to the correct rating for that particular appliance.

Other legislation covering electrical installations is currently in force and in order to avoid prosecution, we recommend that all electrical appliances in let properties are regularly checked and serviced.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION WITH PENALTIES OF IMPRISONMENT AND FINES UP TO £5,000.

The Building Regulations 1991

Smoke Alarms

The 1991 Building Regulations require that all properties built since June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated interlinked smoke detectors/alarms on each floor.
Such regulations regarding older properties do not exist but we strongly recommend that smoke alarms are fitted in all let properties and are regularly checked to ensure that they are in full working order.
All our Tenancies are prepared under current legislation and we insist that properties comply with the latest safety regulations. This protects your interests.

We manage a comprehensive range of property, from 1 bedroom flats to a 4 bedroom house.

Our properties are regularly inspected.

The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)
Regulations 1993

The above regulations were amended in 1993 and have set new levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings. It is now an offence to "supply" in the course of a business any furniture, which does not comply with the regulations. This includes supplying furniture as part of a let residential property. We understand that it does not strictly apply to a Landlord letting his own home for a "temporary" period and not in the course of a business. However, it does not apply to Landlords letting a "second property" or any other letting as an investment.

The regulations apply to: sofas, bedheads, childrens furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling, scatter cushions and pillows, stretch or loose covers for furniture and other similar items.

The regulations do not apply to: curtains, carpets, bed-clothes (including duvets) and mattress covers.

The information below is a summary of the implications of the above regulations and should be read in conjunction with the official guide from the D.T.I.

All property let for the first time since 1st March 1993 must contain furniture that complies with the new regulations.

Any additional or replacement furniture supplied since 1st March 1993 must comply with the regulations.

All furniture manufactured before 1st January 1950 is not covered by the regulations as defective inflammable materials were not used prior to that date.

Any furniture manufactured after March 1990 is likely to comply but if the appropriate labels are not on the furniture, compliance is in doubt and checks should be made with the manufacturer.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS MAY JEOPARDISE THE LEFT OF YOUR TENANT AND LEAD TO PROSECUTION WITH PENALTIES OF IMPRISONMENT OR FINES UP TO £5,000.