SAFETY REGULATIONS

The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 & The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 1993

Effective from March 1st 1993, Landlords letting residential property must ensure that all upholstered furniture complies with the Fire and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988. Generally, these cover the need for fire-resistant filling material to upholstered articles and the passing of a match-resistant and cigarette-resistant test. Failure to do so could result in up to 6 months imprisonment and/or fines up to £5,000.00.

The correct method of displaying compliance is to check that a permanent label is present on all items of furniture. The regulations apply to:

Any items not labelled may not conform to the regulation and will have to be removed from the property.

It should be noted that any furniture manufactured prior to 1st January 1950 is exempt from the regulations.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994

This regulation requires a Landlord to ensure that all gas fittings and flues are maintained in good order, and gas appliances and flues are checked for safety once in a period of 12 months. This must be done by a CORGI registered engineer and it is essential that this is carried out before a tenant takes occupation. A copy of the certificate is to be kept at the property at all times and a copy should also be provided to our lettings department for our records.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

This regulation requires that all electrical appliances, equipment and supply must be safe. Where their safe use requires, appropriate instruction booklets must also be provided. Plugs and sockets that are newly installed must conform to the appropriate British Standard or approved alternative.

The General Product Safety Regulations 1994

These regulations mean that the landlords are required to consider general safety of the tenants in their property. For example, the landlord should supply instruction manuals for the items used in the property. Also, information sheets covering any issues about potential danger points in the property (e.g. sharp objects/hot surfaces, etc.).

Unlike the gas safety regulations, there is no statutory annual testing interval. Yet, in order to meet the requirements, it is still important that all electrical equipment be tested regularly.

Smoke Detectors Act 1991

The Department of Environment introduced new regulations which require any new building (built after June 1992) to have smoke detectors installed. Whilst not yet a legal requirement for other properties, we feel this legislation will soon follow and Landlords can still face serious claims in the event of a fire. We would therefore strongly recommend Landlords to install at least two smoke detectors.

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