As the Landlord of a residential property you have a duty of care to your tenant and are required to comply with relevant Health and Safety legislation. Your failure to comply with current legislation may lead to criminal and civil proceedings.
The Gas Safety (Installation
and Use) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 1996
Landlords must comply with these regulations
by ensuring that an inspection is carried out by a CORGI registered gas fitter/contractor
before the commencement of a tenancy. A satisfactory Landlords Gas Safety Record
must be obtained or exist as a copy of this record must be given to the tenant
before he/she occupies the property. This has to be renewed annually with a
copy given to the tenant. The Regulations apply to all pipework, flues and Landlord
owned appliances whether fixed or portable and all forms of gas supply (including
Calor). Records are required to be kept for at least 2 years.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety)
Regulations 1994
These regulations cover all mains voltage
household electrical goods and require that the supplier of such goods ensures
they are safe, including flexes and plugs. The mains electric plugs, wires and
circuits must also be safe. A safety check by a fully qualified electrician
is recommended before the property is let and thereafter checked periodically.
The Furniture and Furnishings
(Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended)
These regulations apply to soft furnishings.
Your property must meet the regulations and compliant furniture must have attached
labels confirming compliance with these regulations. Should any furniture not
comply then the furniture/furnishings must be removed or replaced prior to any
letting.
Smoke Alarms
Although smoke alarms are compulsory in
all properties built since 1993 there is no legal requirement to fit smoke alarms
in older properties. However, it would be prudent of a Landlord to fit smoke
alarms and we would recommend a minimum of one smoke alarm on each floor of
a property.
Repairs
Landlords have a statutory responsibility
for certain repairs under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 relating
to:
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