Landlords have the responsibility for the safety of both the Tenant and their own property during the tenancy.

The following regulations must be adhered to without fail by Landlord and - as your property manager - we must ensure that they are carried out.

Fire and Furnishings (Safety) Regulations 1988 (1993)

All soft furnishings such as settees, sofa, beds, padded chairs, pillows, cushions and so on must comply with the Fire Resistance requirements contained within the regulations.

Items of furniture made prior to 1950 are termed as antiques and as such are excluded from the regulations.

Usually a label is attached to the item of furniture to confirm it is acceptable. We will at all times check your furniture and advise you accordingly to the best of our ability.

Should any furniture not comply then the furniture/furnishings must be removed or replaced prior to any letting.

Gas Safety (Installations and Use) Regulations 1994 (1996)

A qualified engineer (Gas Safe or British Gas) must also check all gas appliances and installations within the accommodation, on an annual basis, for its safe use.

The Regulations apply to all pipework, flues and Landlord owned appliances whether fixed or portable and all forms of gas supply (including Calor). It also insists that flues and chimneys are clear of obstructions and in the correct place.

The engineer must issue a certificate and a copy presented to the Tenant at the start of any Tenancy.

Any items that fail to comply with the regulations must be fixed or removed immediately.

Records are required to be kept for at least 2 years.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

These regulations require that all Electrical equipment left at the property be safe and pose no risk of injury or death to person, animal or property.

Equipment should be checked that flexes, fuses and electrical outputs are safe and correct. Items that must comply are all portable electrical items such as electric cooker, fridge's, washing machines, kettle, toasters etc. The mains electric plugs, wires and circuits must also be safe.

A safety check is recommended before the property is let and thereafter checked periodically. As your property manager we cannot guarantee the safety of any electrical items, therefore we will recommend that a fully qualified electrician carries out all required safety checks (a charge will be made at cost).

Although with tenanted property there is currently no legal requirement for an electrical safety certificate (except in the case of all HMO's), it is now widely accepted in the letting industry that the only safe way to ensure safety, and to avoid the risk of being accused of neglecting your 'Duty of Care' is to arrange such an inspection and certificate.

Force 10 Property Management are committed to providing legal and safe dwellings for all tenants.