The above regulations fall within the ‘Consumer Protection Act 1987
Ever since 1st March 1993 it is an offence to supply furniture in the course of a business which does not comply with the regulations concerning fire resistance. Essentially, it covers all upholstery and upholstered furnishings, including loose fittings and permanent or loose covers. Failure to comply can result in a term of imprisonment, a fine, or both. These items must comply with the following three tests each of which measure the flame retardant properties of the furnishings:
"Period" or "Antique" furniture. "Period" or "Antique" furniture is not included in the requirements. Regulation 4 of the 1988 Regulations therefore states that furniture manufactured before 1st January 1950 is exempt from these requirements.
It has been reported that every year around thirty people die of Carbon Monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances which have not been properly installed or serviced. When gas does not burn properly excess carbon monoxide is produced. You can't see it. You can't taste it. You can't even smell it.
Carbon Monoxide can kill without warning in just a matter of hours. The early symptoms of poisoning include tiredness, drowsiness, headache and pains in the stomach and chest. You are most vulnerable when you are asleep. You are at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning if:
These regulations apply to all electrical equipment that is designed or adapted for use between 50 and 1000 volts and confer liability upon the Landlord to ensure that such items are safe. In rental accommodation many items are included (e.g. cookers, kettles, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, table lamps, etc.). The DTI have yet to give specific periodic checking requirements however whilst the legislation falls under the general Consumer Protection Act 1987. Landlords are required to keep constantly mindful of such obligations and replacement/repair must be speedy and uncompromising. Electric heaters and immersion heaters for hot water should be checked annually. Fireguards must meet BS3249. Fire extinguishers should be marked BS5423 1987. Fire-blankets should be marked BS6575 1985.
This regulation strengthens the Consumer Protection Act 1987. In general terms the Landlord is obliged to ensure that all products for use by the Tenant should be "safe". In short this means that all glass, fixtures and fittings to include the structure of the buildings must be checked for obvious defects and any such defects should be repaired or replaced accordingly.
These regulations require all properties built since 1st June 1992 to have mains operated interlinked smoke alarms fitted on every floor. The law does not legislate that homes built before that date should comply but we strongly recommend the fitting of smoke alarms/detectors to all properties,
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATESFrom 1st October 2008 it’s a requirement for all rental properties that are marketed to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
This gives landlords and tenants information on the a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the best and with the average to date being D/E.
An EPC will be valid for ten years and is to be made available for tenants on property marketed after 1st October 2008. Information regarding EPC’s can be found on the following website - www.direct.gov.uk/epc
We will be happy to assist landlords to obtain this report at a cost mentioned within our terms of business. Please call for further details.
Importance of A.R.L.A.You will be glad to know that we are members of A.R.L.A (The Association of Residential Letting Agents), the professional and regulatory body for Lettings Agents. All key members of our staff are qualified under the ARLA 2000 requirements, with passes in Level 1 and 2. Accordingly, we are able to advise our clients on Landlord and Tenant law to include successive Rent Acts, Housing Acts and Contract Law.
It is widely accepted that without professional guidance and control, the whole aspect of letting a home can become, for the private Landlord, a minefield of issues both legal and emotional. Successful letting depends entirely on the selection of the right tenant and strict observation of the current legislation. It is for this reason that Mountford will be of invaluable assistance. As a client you will reap the benefit of our wide experience; our knowledge of the legal safeguards and pitfalls; our familiarity with the current market and our list of resources that bring those all important enquiries. In short, your letting will be conducted with a thorough and professional approach with all the security an approved and qualified A.R.L.A. agent can provide.
View the A.R.L.A. website here www.arla.co.uk
We lead the field in this area and our marketing includes extensive coverage on the web, local media publications, magazines, brochures, mailing lists, applicant e-mailing and texting.
We publish our properties on the following top major leading property portals; Find a Property, Prime Location, Rightmove, Globrix, Homes & Property, Propertyfinder and of course our own website
