Legislative Requirements
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988
Following amendments made to this act in March 1993, any furniture included in accommodation must meet all fire resistance requirements. Due to the liability and regulations involved, we DO NOT manage furnished properties.
Electrical Equipment (Safety Regulations) 1994
This regulation came into force in January 1995 and makes it an offence to supply electrical equipment that is not safe. From January 1997, there is a further requirement upon manufacturers to mark equipment or the packaging with the ‘CE’ symbol to confirm that technical safety standards have been met.
To comply with the above regulations, a certificate is required stating that the electrical supply, equipment and appliances in the property are safe. This needs to be carried out by an electrician who is NICEIC approved (or equivalent) and inspected regularly thereafter. We require a current certificate prior to a tenant taking occupation. See also the paragraph relating to appliances.
Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulation 1994
The law states that any gas appliances in rented properties must be serviced and tested annually. These are usually undertaken simultaneously. A CORGI registered fitter must carry out this service and inspection and a certificate must be issued to the tenant prior to the commencement of the tenancy. We require a current certificate prior to a tenant taking occupation.
INSTRUCTION BOOKS MUST BE SUPPLIED
The penalty for non-compliance of the above regulations is a maximum fine of £5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment!
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
BEFORE a property can be made available to view, an Energy Performance Certificate is required to be available to prospective tenants. An EPC lasts for 10 years (unless significant alterations are made to the property). You are free to employ any approved assessor. We recommend ‘ATT Testing’ who have agreed a fee to our landlords of £85 (inc VAT) to inspect and provide an EPC.
