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The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998
These regulations first came into effect 31st October 1994 to ensure that gas appliances are properly installed and maintained in a safe condition so as to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is the responsibility of landlords to ensure that ALL gas appliances and gas installation pipe work owned by them are checked for safety at least once a year by British Gas or a Gas Safe registered installer. In addition accurate records of the safety inspections and any work carried out must be kept. The current safety certificate must always be available for any tenant prior to them taking occupation of a property.
Faulty equipment causing death can lead to a conviction of unlawful killing on a landlord. Under the regulations any appliance that does not conform can be disconnected.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC gives you information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC.
The legal and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
The above regulations were amended in 1993 and set new levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings. It is an offence to ‘supply’ in the course of business any furniture which does not comply with the regulations. This includes supplying furniture as part of a residential property to be let.
The regulations apply to sofas, beds, bed-heads, and children’s furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling, scatter cushions and pillows, stretch or loose covers for furniture or similar items. The regulations do not apply to curtains, carpets, bedclothes (including duvets and mattress covers).
Any furniture manufactured after March 1990 is likely to comply, but if the appropriate labels are not on the furniture or compliance is in doubt then checks should be made with the manufacturer.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) regulations 1994
The above regulations impose an obligation on a landlord to ensure that all electrical appliances left as part of a let property are safe. Cabling, fuses and plugs should also be inspected and replaced where necessary to the correct rating for the particular appliances.
Other legislation covering electrical installations is currently in force and we strongly recommend that all appliances are regularly checked and serviced.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke detectors are now a legal requirement in a rented property and we strongly advise that two smoke detectors and, for added security, carbon monoxide detectors, are fitted prior to the start of the tenancy.
Insurances
Standard home owner insurance may well be invalidated when you let your property. We can obtain quotations for specialist comprehensive insurance cover for a let property, including rent and legal insurance.
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