Important Note:

This is only a brief guide to the Regulations. Further information and details are provided in our Terms of Business and by asking a member of staff. Non compliance with these Regulations can be a criminal offence and maximum penalties are unlimited fines and custodial sentences may be imposed.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations

All soft furnishings such as beds, mattresses, settees, sofas, padded chairs, beds, pillows, cushions and so on must comply with the fire resistance requirements contained within these Regulations. Items of furniture made prior to 1950 are termed as antiques and as such are excluded. Usually a label is attached to the item to confirm it is acceptable. Accord will at all times check your furniture and advise you accordingly.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations

A qualified gas engineer (Corgi) must check all gas appliances and installations within the property on an annual basis. This includes items such as gas fires, central heating boilers, gas ovens and hobs. The Regulations also insist that flues and chimneys are clear of obstructions and in the correct place. Any items that fail to comply must be repaired or removed immediately. The gas engineer will issue a certificate and a copy must be presented to the tenants at the start of the tenancy. Accord’s gas engineer makes a charge of £65 to carry out a gas safety inspection.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations

These Regulations require that all electrical equipment at the property be ‘safe and of no risk of injury to human or animal’. Equipment should be checked that flexes, fuses and electrical output are safe and correct. Items that must comply are all portable electrical items such as an electric cooker, kitchen appliances, etc. Accord recommends that you arrange for a qualified electrician checks these items.

Smoke Detectors

Building Regulations require that all properties built after 1992 must have mains operated and inter-linked smoke alarms fitted on every floor but this does not cover most tenanted properties. However, it is generally agreed that common law ‘duty of care’ means that landlords would be liable if a fire caused injury or damage in a let property that is not suitably fitted with smoke alarms.

Accord strongly recommends that a minimum of one smoke alarm is fitted to each floor in the hallway or landing.

Carbon Monoxide

It is essential that landlords remember they have a duty to ensure regular maintenance and repair of all oil fired or solid fuel heating systems is carried out and that adequate flues and ventilation are provided in a property. CO detectors are widely available and reasonably cheap.

Accord recommends that you install CO detectors in your property.