Safety Legislation

What is the current legislation regarding gas and electrical appliances?

GAS SAFETY REGULATIONS

It is the duty of the owner and a legal requirement to ensure that all gas appliances and flues are maintained in a safe condition and inspected and checked for safety at least every twelve months by a CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) registered engineer.

A Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) should be issued by the CORGI engineer and must record the gas appliances in the property, dates of inspection and any defects identified and the remedial action taken.

Appliances which typically need to be checked include gas central heating boilers, ovens, hobs, water heaters and room heaters that are run on either mains gas or LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas).

Whenever possible, ensure that operating instructions booklets for each gas appliance are available at the property for tenants to refer to.

Remember, apart from the obvious safety implications, it is a criminal offence not to comply with the gas safety regulations.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY REGULATIONS

While at present there is no statutory annual testing requirement (unlike gas safety regulations) however, we thoroughly recommend that prior to letting your property has the appropriate checks and safeguards are carried out to meet the requirements of the regulations.

It is important that landlords understand they have a duty to ensure that the fixed electrical installation (i.e. the mains wiring) and any supplied domestic appliances and other electrical equipment in a rental property is safe to use and in good repair.

The regulations cover all mains voltage electrical goods. Examples of appliances covered by these regulations include; cookers, kettles, toasters, electric blankets, immersion heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc. We recommend that a portable appliance test (PAT) certificate be provided by a suitably qualified engineer prior to the initial letting of your property and annually thereafter. Any non-repairable items must be replaced or removed. The manufacturer’s operating instructions for each appliance must be available at the property to help ensure tenants use the equipment safely.

It is important that an NICEIC or similarly qualified electrical engineer checks the fixed electrical installation for safety. This ensures the wiring, sockets, light fittings etc. are sound and that fittings like showers, electric cookers and immersion heaters are deemed safe. The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommends that this be carried out at least every ten years in a domestic environment.

Under building regulations introduced in January 2005, any new electrical work, repairs, or maintenance carried out on certain ‘high risk’ areas of a residential property must be certified by a qualified electrical engineer who is registered with a Part P Approved Self-Certification Scheme. Failure to comply with these regulations is a criminal offence, which could result in a maximum fine of £5000, or imprisonment, or both.

We will be happy to assist our clients with their compliance of the safety regulations. For further information, please contact our Lettings team.

What is the legislation regarding furnishings?

It is an offence to supply soft furnishings, which do not meet fire resistance standards and do not carry permanent labels to that effect. Soft furnishings include mattresses, divan bases, upholstered sofas/chairs and cushions. Curtains and carpets are not included within the regulations. Furniture with upholstery manufactured prior to 1950 are exempt.

An example of the label required shows a picture of a smoking cigarette and flaming match. Remember to keep all receipts for purchase of furniture and retain the statutory display labels (those not permanently attached) in a safe place in case tenants wish to enquire as to the compliance of any particular item of furniture.