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As a landlord, there are certain safety regulations to which you have to adhere before letting your property. Compliance will ensure that your property is safe for the tenant to live in.
The Gas Safety Regulations Act of 1998 requires that any gas appliances in a property are inspected before a tenant moves in, and annually thereafter to ensure that they comply with the regulations. The inpsection must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Alex Stuart can arrange this on your behalf as part of our lettings service if requested.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 require that any electrical appliances left in a property are tested by a qualified engineer to access their safety. Alex Stuart can arrange this on your behalf as part of our lettings service if requested.
All furniture must comply with the provisions of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and the subsequent amendments to the Act, prior to the property being let. The regulations apply to sofas, beds, bedheads, covers for furniture, cushions and pillows, along with other items. They do not apply to curtains, carpets, bed linen, duvets or mattress covers. Furniture manufactured before 1950 is exempt from these regulations. Furniture manufactured after 1988 must have the relevant safety label attached. For guidance on which items must comply with these regulations visit the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk.
Building Regulations require that properties built since June 1992 are fitted with mains operated smoke detectors and alarms on each floor. We strongly recommend that you provide smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector in any property to be let.
Landlords must have Buildings Insurance and Public Liability Insurance. We also advise that Landlords have Contents Insurance but this is optional.
