BENTLEYS LETTINGS - LAWS GOVERNING LETTING

 

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment Regulations 1993)

 

These regulations came into force on the 1^st Match 1993 for all property coming onto the rental market for the first time. All furniture must comply with the regulations by displaying a label clearly stating that it is fire-resistant. Any new or additional furniture being put into a property already on the market from 1^st March 1993 must comply with the regulations.

 

As from 1^st January 1997, all property available for rental ‘in the course of trader’ must have furniture complying with the fire regulations.

 

The regulations apply to:

 

• Beds, headboards and mattresses
• Any upholstered seating furniture, i.e. music stools, footstools, bean bags, floor cushions etc.
• Sofa beds, futons and other convertible furniture
• Nursery furniture
• Loose and stretch covers for furniture
• Pillows
• Sleeping bags
• Bed clothes, including duvets
• Loose covers for mattresses
• Curtains
• Carpets
• Garden furniture

 

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994

 

These regulations came into effect on 31^st October 1994 and state that rental properties must have their gas appliances checked annually. This check must be performed by a registered CORGI gas engineer, who will issue a certificate once the appliances have passed. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the annual checks are performed and he/she must keep all the relevant documentation. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with the regulations is a fine of £5,000.

 

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1995

 

These regulations require that any electrical appliances supplied must be safe and instructions booklets must also be available. Unlike the gas safety regulations, there is no statutory annual testing interval. However, in order to meet the requirements, it is still important that the appropriate check and safeguards are carried out. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with the regulations is a fine of £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

 

The regulations require:

 

• General safety – all electrical equipment supplied must be safe. This will require that the electrical wiring and appliances are checked by a qualified engineer. Unsafe items should be removed.

 

• Labelling – from 1^st January 1997, all electrical equipment bought new and supplied in rented property must be marked with the appropriate CE symbol.

 

• Instructions – where the safe use of any equipment or appliance relies on the user being aware of any particular characteristic, suitable information or instruction booklets (in English) should be provided.

 

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