Landlords Safety Regulations
As a landlord of residential property you have a duty of care to your Tenant and you must comply with relevant health and safety legislation. Failure to meet these obligations may lead to criminal and civil proceedings.
You must be aware of the contents of this information sheet before you sign the Terms of Business thereby creating a contract with us.
We require all properties to meet relevant legal safety standards before a tenant moves in. The matters which a landlord has to consider are:
The gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1996.
Landlords must comply with these regulations by ensuring that an inspection is carried out by a CORGI registered contractor before a Tenancy is executed. A satisfactory Landlord’s Gas Safety Record must be obtained (unless one already exists) and a copy given to the Tenant before they move in. This has to be renewed annually with a copy given to the Tenant. Records are required to be kept for at least 2 years. The regulations apply to all pipe work, flues and landlord owned appliances whether fixed or portable and all forms of gas supply (including Calor)
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.
These regulations cover all mains voltage household electrical goods and require that the supplier of such goods ensure they are safe. Landlords must ensure such safety, which includes flexes and plugs. The mains electric plugs, wires and circuits must also be safe and we recommend you have all electrical goods and equipment checked by a fully qualified electrician before the property is let and periodically thereafter.
The furniture and Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).
These regulations apply to soft furnishings. Your property must meet the regulations and compliant furniture should have confirming labels attached. Non-compliant furniture must be removed or replaced.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are compulsory in all property built since 1993. While there is no legal requirement to fit a smoke alarms in older property, it is good practice to do so.
Repairs
Landlords have a statutory responsibility for certain repairs under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 relating to:
A) The structure and exterior of the dwelling, drains, gutters and external pipes.
B) Installations in the dwelling for the supply of water, gas, electricity and sanitation.
C) Space and water heating appliances.