The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994

On 31st October 1994 the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 came into force.

Under Regulations 35(2) it is duty of any person (i.e. Landlord) who owns a gas appliance to maintain the appliance (including but not limited to gas boilers, fires, heaters, and gas water heaters) and the pipework and to keep both in a safe condition so as to prevent risk or injury to any person.

The owner (i.e. Landlord) of any gas appliance must ensure that a qualified gas engineer checks each appliance for safety at least every 12 months, by a GAS SAFE registered person.

You will need to provide us with a copy of a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) carried out no more than 12 months previously. We need to give your Tenant documentary proof of your compliance with these Regulations at the commencement of the Tenancy and within 28 days of the safety record being renewed.

The Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988 (1993 & 2010) 

It is criminal offence, punishable by a fine and /or a prison term, to let Premises with furniture or soft furnishings which cannot be proven to comply with the above fire safety regulations. 

Product ranges covered include any of the following which contain upholstery, furniture intended for private use in a dwelling, including children's furniture, beds, head-boards of beds, mattresses (of any size), beds, futons and other convertibles, nursery furniture, garden furniture which is suitable for use in a dwelling, furniture in new caravans, scatter cushions and seat pads and pillows,

The Regulations do not apply to sleeping bags, bed-clothes (including duvets), loose covers for mattresses, pillowcases, curtains and carpets.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 

There is no specific requirement for regular testing under the Regulations unlike the gas. However,

Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure the following:

• that all electrical devices are safe and comply with British Standard
•  Maintain records of the checks carried out for all the above appliances in each property.
• Have appliances checked by a qualified electrical engineer.
• Ensure that instruction booklets are available at the property for all appliances and that any necessary safety warnings are given to tenants.
• Avoid purchasing second-hand electrical appliances for rented properties and advise owners likewise. If used appliances are installed, it is necessary to have them checked by a qualified engineer. 

Building Regulations and Fire Safety 1991

Part B of the Building Regulations sets out the requirements for provision in the property for giving warning if a fire occurs, satisfactory means of escape, preventing fire spread and making sure buildings are stable as well as ensuring that there is sufficient fire separation between different parts  and access facilities to assist fire fighters. This can be achieved by installing fire detector systems, smoke detectors, escape routes and emergency lighting .