‘Landlords should super-vigilant about any electrical products that they have in their properties’ was the latest message from Belvoir Sheffield after a spate of safety alerts and recalls.
In recent weeks, one electrical manufacturer, was repeatedly at the centre of stories about domestic fires caused by their appliances, with fire brigade claims that they have caused at least 20 blazes at homes since 2010.
Rick Flay, Director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of houses to rent in Sheffield, said: “Electricity is a major cause of fires in UK homes, and that includes rental properties. I read a few weeks ago that a landlord suffered over £100,000 worth of damage to his property and loss of rent following a fire from a faulty fridge freezer.
“But it is not just a loss of rental income and damage to property that can be experienced through faulty goods, the landlord has a responsibility to his tenants to check all electrical items supplied or they can be held responsible.”
Michael Portman, of specialist insurers LetRisks, says landlords should check all installed electric appliances regularly – both for safety, and against product recall notices (which can be found online). In addition, you should always register with the manufacturer whenever you buy a new appliance. That way you can be contacted in the event of a product recall. Also, make sure that every appliance is properly recorded on the inventory with its make and model number.”
Rick, whose letting agency on Campo Lane in Sheffield, specialises in providing flats to let Sheffield, added: “For HMOs, electrical inspections must be carried out by law every five years. For non-HMO properties there is no legal obligation but regular inspections are recommended. These should be carried out by a registered electrician and an Electrical Installation Condition Report should be produced. Is is also important for a landlord to get all appliances Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) tested. This should be done before each new tenancy and repeated before they run out
“Prior to moving a tenant in, we at Belvoir Sheffield recommend that a professional inventory to protect landlords against such issues, and we always happy to give landlords up to date advice on their obligations to ensure that they are the right side of law.”
Belvoir Lettings Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management and Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances and Mortgages.
