Property Management

Legal

Legal

Legal Legal Requirements

There are various legal requirements for a landlord to adhere to when letting a property.  Below are details of a few that apply.

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 – States that it is the responsibility of the landlord and his agent to ensure that all gas appliances are inspected once a year by a Corgi registered engineer, who will produce and gas safety certificate confirming the appliances have been tested and are safe to use for a further 12 months.  Failure to comply with this regulation may lead to prosecution with penalties of imprisonment or fines up to £25,000.  Although not covered in the regulation, we always recommend that a service be completed at the point of the safety check to help prolong the life of the gas appliance.

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 – States that all upholstered furniture pre 1950 and post 1997, in rented accommodation must comply with the fire resistance requirements of the regulations.  To ensure furniture complies with the regulation it should have a label permanently attached to it with the heading “CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE”.  All upholstered furniture that does not have a label as above or receipt proving date of purchase as pre 1950 and post 1997, should be removed from the property as could potentially be a hazard.  Failure to comply with this regulation may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5,000 fine and /or 6 months imprisonment.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 – States that with effect from the 1st January 1997 all electrical appliances supplied with let accommodation must be safe.  This applies to both new and second hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the tenant.  The only method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a competent person who will produce a report confirming the safety of the same.

In addition to the above regulations, as of the 1st January 2005, any contractors used for electrical work should be approved under Part P of the Building Regulations.  Part P insists that reasonable provision shall be made in the design, installation, and inspection and testing of electrical installations in order to protect persons from fire or injury. 

For more information contact us now on 0870 4441801 or email paulb@holmespearman.co.uk

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