Letting property safely
This information is for people who own, let, manage or live in privately rented accommodation and are concerned with the basic standards which should be met to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the occupants.
These are statutory requirements which are enshrined within a number of pieces of legislation, including the Housing Act 2004, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated Regulations.
Carbon monoxide
This is a colourless, odourless and poisonous gas produced as a result of incomplete combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. It is therefore essential that fires, boilers and cooking appliances using these types of fuels, together with the flues associated with them, are regularly serviced on an annual basis. Mains-wired and portable detectors are now available which give an audible warning of the presence of carbon monoxide (Make sure you choose a detector that complies with British Standard BS 7860).
For further information contact:
Enforcement team, private sector housing
Tel: 01925 442448
Visit the Health & Safety Executive website
Gas installations
Under the provisions of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, any gas installations and appliances, i.e. cookers, fires, central heating boilers or water heaters, which are provided by the landlord must be properly serviced on an annual basis by a Gas Safe registered engineer and records kept for at least two years afterwards. A copy of the annual service report must be given to the tenant or displayed in the premises.
For further information contact:
Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500
or visit the Gas Safe Register website for information on the scheme.
Electrical information
For safety purposes, power circuits, lighting circuits and all electrical appliances should be checked by a competent electrician on a regular basis (i.e. one who is registered with the NICEIC or the ECA)
For further information contact:
Enforcement team, private sector housing
Tel: 01925 442448
Furniture and furnishings
To improve fire safety in rented accommodation all furniture and furnishings provided by the landlord within rented accommodation must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended. The regulations do not apply to furniture made before 1950, the re-upholstery of furniture made before this date and carpets and curtains.
For further information contact:
Trading standards and food safety, Palmyra House, Palmyra Square, Warrington
Tel: 01925 442658
Fire safety
It is recommended that mains-wired smoke / heat detectors are installed in at suitable locations in the dwelling, together with a fire blanket and dry powder type fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Properties which are let in multiple occupation are likely to require additional fire protection and may need to be registered as part of the council's HMO registration scheme.
The new guidance on fire safety in residential accommodation is available in hard copy at a cost of £20 (including p&p). To obtain an order form you can download one here, email housing@lacors.gov.uk or
call 0207 665 3888.
For further information contact:
Enforcement team, private sector housing
Tel: 01925 442448
Other health and safety issues
- Trip hazards – check for loose carpets and stair treads
- Lighting levels – is there sufficient natural or artificial light in all areas of the property to enable the occupants to move safely about the property?
- Food preparation and storage areas – must be of sound construction and in good repair to allow hygienic preparation and storage of food.
- Disposal of refuse – a suitable refuse container and storage area must be provided.
Other leaflets in this series include:
- Landlord Accreditation Scheme
- Landlord Forum
For further information, please contact:
Enforcement team, private sector housing, PO Box 875, Warrington, WA1 1WP
Tel: 01925 442448 Fax: 01925 442412 Email: Privatesector@warrington.gov.uk
Last updated 02/02/2010 11:40:32
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