Property Safety
Property Safety
GAS APPLIANCES
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use Regulations 1998):
As of the 31st October 1994 the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 came into force. Under regulations 35(2) it is the duty of any person ( i.e. the Landlord ) who owns a gas appliance and pipework installed in a property to ensure that the appliance and pipework is maintained in a safe condition so as to prevent risk or injury to any person. The regulations cover all appliances and all types of gas, i.e. mains, propane or Calor gas heating, lighting, cooking or other purposes for which gas can be used.
The owner ( i.e. the Landlord ) of any gas appliance must ensure that each appliance is checked for safety at least every twelve months by a qualified Gas Safe registered person.
A certificate must be kept of all safety inspections and the results. These results must be open for the tenant’s inspection by law. As a company we insist that a copy of the certificate must be kept with our files at all times. A tenant cannot start a tenancy unless the Landlord has had a Gas Safety Inspection carried out.
If you do not know a Gas Safe registered person we as agents we can arrange for the safety inspection to be carried out for you by a gas engineer. Once the inspection has been completed we will keep a record of the date. As agents, Kingswood cannot be held responsible for the upkeep and safety of your gas supply or appliances.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994:
Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, all electrical wiring at the property relating to both fixed electrical equipment and that which is incorporated into the building must meet all fire safety regulations. A qualified electrical engineer with a Part P Self Certification Scheme must check the wiring before a tenancy can begin. As a company we insist that a copy of the certificate must be kept with our files at all times. A tenant cannot start a tenancy unless the Landlord has had an electrical safety inspection carried out.
If you do not know an electrical engineer with a Part P Self Certification, we as agents can arrange for the safety inspection to be carried out for you. Once the inspection has been completed we will keep a record of the date. As agents, Kingswood cannot be held responsible for the upkeep and safety of your electrical wiring or appliances.
FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS
In 1988 the Government introduced regulations on the use of any filling material or re-upholstery whether foam or non-foam and the requirements of furniture to meet the ‘cigarette test’ and carry the appropriate label.
Under the Fire and Furnishings (Safety) (Amended) Regulations 1993, the Landlord has the obligation to ensure that all furniture in property being rented, or any new furniture being put in a property already rented, must comply with the fire regulations; the Landlord must either replace or remove non-compliant items before the tenancy commences. Instructions to let a property available for rental will assume that all furniture complies with the regulations. Failure to comply can result in prosecution.
From March 1993 all newly rented furnished properties should only be furnished with contents that meet the ‘cigarette test’ and carry the appropriate label. Furniture manufactured to 1950 is exempt from these regulations as the Department of Trade and Industry has pointed out that most of the defective materials which cause fire were not in use prior to 1950.
All furniture manufactured after 1983 should already comply with the regulations but there is particular concern for foam filled furniture manufactured between 1950 and 1983. The Landlord must ensure that furniture complies with the above legislation before tenant(s) occupy the property.
If any furniture is left in a property, then you as a Landlord have a duty to ensure it is maintained and repaired should it become faulty. This is only if it is not as a result of negligence or malicious tenant. Any soft furnishings such as chairs and beds that are left in the property must comply with fire regulations. A label clearly stating that the item complies with the fire regulations must be attached. If an item does not have a label attached then the furnishings must be removed from the property.
SMOKE ALARMS
It is our recommendation that all properties should be fitted with at least two lithium battery smoke alarms.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
It is our recommendation that all properties should be fitted with lithium battery carbon monoxide alarms wherever there is a gas appliance. It is law that a carbon monoxide alarm is fitted where there is a solid fuel burner i.e. woodburner, openfire etc
REPAIRS
Unfortunately, at some point during a tenancy a property may need some repair work carried out. At the start of the tenancy tenants are informed that if a repair is required within the property they are to contact us and inform us of the problem. Once a property is tenanted you as a Landlord have an obligation to ensure it is well maintained. Carrying out repairs quickly is often as important for you as it is the tenant and we have found issues can be resolved quickly with local trades people that we have build a relationship with over the many years we have been in business.
Repairs conducted immediately can save a Landlord money. As a Landlord you must be mindful that tenants do have rights, tenants are within their rights to contact the local Environmental Health Department if repairs are not being attended to quickly. If to be found at fault of not conducting the repair and the ensuing enforcement order could include extra repairs and a significantly higher final bill. Work not done will be carried out by them and they may add a hefty additional charge on top of the repair bill.
