|
The Furniture 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, childrens' furniture, garden furniture suitable
for use in a dwelling, scatter cushions and pillows,
stretch or loose covers for furniture or other 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, compliance is in doubt and
checks should be made with the manufacturer.
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
risks 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 lease once a year by British Gas or a member
of the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).
In addition accurate records of the safety inspections
and any work carried out must kept. The current safety
certificate must always be available for any tenant
prior to them taking occupation of a property.
Faulty equipment can lead to death and
a conviction of unlawful killing on a landlord. Under
the regulations any appliance that does not conform
can be disconnected.
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 that particular appliance.
Other legislation covering electrical
installations is currently in force and we strongly
recommend that all appliances are regularly checked
and serviced.
The Building Regulations 1991 - Smoke Alarms
The 1991 Building Regulations require that all properties
built since June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated
interlinked smoke detectors/alarms on each floor. Such
regulations regarding older properties do not exist
but we strongly recommend that smoke alarms are fitted
in all let properties and are regularly checked to ensure
they are in full working order.
Consent To Let
If you have a mortgage you must obtain consent from
your mortgage lender. If your interest in the property
is leasehold your lease may require you to obtain consent
from your landlord prior to sub letting.
Insurance
Standard home owner insurance may well be invalidated
when you let your property. Our branches can obtain
quotations for specialist comprehensive insurance cover
for let property, including rent and legal insurance.
Tenancy Agreement
It is a requirement for landlords to sign their own
tenancy agreement. Therefore it is important that we
are given clear instructions regarding the length of
time the property will be available and that we have
a contact address and telephone and fax number in order
that the document may be forwarded for signature prior
to any tenancy.
|
