In order to let your property, there are a number of health and safety guidelines you must follow to protect you legally and to ensure the safety of the tenants who are residing within the property.
Furniture and furnishings
Regulations regarding fire-resistant furniture are very strict for rental accommodation and you MUST make sure all relevant items meet the guidelines set under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Amendment Regulations 1993. It is advised that, as a general guide, furniture made before 1988 is unlikely to meet the necessary standards and should be replaced before letting your property. Any items that contain upholstery, and could be used inside the property, should be checked, including:
- Beds, headboards, mattresses, futons and sofa beds
- Children's or nursery furniture
- Garden furniture that might be used within the property
- Cushions, pillows, etc.
Items that are exempt from this legislation include:
- Sleeping bags, duvets, pillow cases and blankets
- Carpets and curtains
- Furniture made before 1950.
In order to check items for the fire safety standards, look for a permanent label stating the regulation it conforms to. Bed bases and mattresses are not required to have this label attached, but they should have a label stating compliance with ignitability tests. Look for the compliance code BS 7177 on these items for confirmation.
If you're in any doubt that certain items may not meet the required standard, replace them. There are substantial fines and even prison sentences imposed for non-compliance should an accident occur.
In order to let your property, there are a number of health and safety guidelines you must follow to protect you legally and to ensure the safety of the tenants who are residing within the property.
Furniture and furnishings
Regulations regarding fire-resistant furniture are very strict for rental accommodation and you MUST make sure all relevant items meet the guidelines set under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Amendment Regulations 1993. It is advised that, as a general guide, furniture made before 1988 is unlikely to meet the necessary standards and should be replaced before letting your property. Any items that contain upholstery, and could be used inside the property, should be checked, including:
- Beds, headboards, mattresses, futons and sofa beds
- Children's or nursery furniture
- Garden furniture that might be used within the property
- Cushions, pillows, etc.
Items that are exempt from this legislation include:
- Sleeping bags, duvets, pillow cases and blankets
- Carpets and curtains
- Furniture made before 1950.
In order to check items for the fire safety standards, look for a permanent label stating the regulation it conforms to. Bed bases and mattresses are not required to have this label attached, but they should have a label stating compliance with ignitability tests. Look for the compliance code BS 7177 on these items for confirmation.
If you're in any doubt that certain items may not meet the required standard, replace them. There are substantial fines and even prison sentences imposed for non-compliance should an accident occur.