Landlords who do not use a lettings agent are in danger of falling foul of the relevant health and safety legislation, leading to serious legal consequences– this was the warning given by Belvoir Sheffield, the leading– lettings agent in Sheffield today as a new report from The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) was released.
The report found that one in ten rented properties in the UK now have items such as soft furnishings, bedding and furniture that do not have the required fire and furnishing compliance labels and have to be removed.
Pat Barber, Chair of the AIIC commented earlier this week “We see time and time again, properties with fire hazards such as gas cylinders and chemicals stored incorrectly by the landlord.”
Rick Flay, Director at Belvoir, a leading Sheffield lettings agent, said: “It is shocking the amount of landlords, who, without the guidance of a reputable of a letting agent, allow their house to fall short of the law. Breaking the laws in health and safety of a property is not only illegal, but could put your tenants in serious jeopardy. It was only the other day I was reading a landlord was jailed for 16months for breaching the laws regarding gas safety.
“Simple changes like placing a carbon monoxide in every room can literally save lives. It is imperative that you carry out regular checks of the state of carpets, especially around stairs and that there are no loose plug sockets.”
In light of this report the AIIC is now urging all landlords to keep on top of legislative issues or suffer the consequences.Rick, from Belvoir who manage many properties to rent in Sheffield, added: “Falling foul of the law by cutting corners on health and safety requirements is not worth the risk, make sure your house is properly checked before even considering letting your house out.”
Here are five helpful tips on how to make sure your house complies with the recent laws and changes:
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)- Since October 2008 it has been a legal requirement to have one of these whenever a building is newly built, rented or sold. The certificate provides ‘A’ to ‘G’ ratings for the building, failure to comply will result in a fine of £200.
- Gas – A gas safety certificate is required annually(used to be called a CORGI certificate) for any residential rental property that has a gas supply
- Electrical Testing, we would recommend both PAT (portable appliance testing) and also Periodic Tests. Make sure an NECIEC approved contractor is used.
- Fire Safety– All materials used in fillings for furniture or re upholstered items must be compliant e.g, bedding and soft furnishings. They must be fire retardant and carry the necessary labels.
- Smoke Detectors– As a minimum, landlords should remove potentially dangerous appliances and heaters and fit smoke alarms. A fire extinguisher and kitchen fire blanket might also be a wise precaution. It is a legal requirement under the fire safety order to periodically review the fire risk assessment.
Belvoir Lettings Agency Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs, Investment Property Insurances and Mortgages.
