autuMn 2017 LAndLord SAFETY CHECKS Safe as houses Are you a landlord or thinking of becoming one? If so, you need to ensure the accommodation is safe for your tenants. you will need to: l Install a smoke alarm on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid-fuel burning appliance for example, a coal fire or wood-burning stove l Ensure your residents have access to escape routes at all times l Supply fire alarms and extinguishers if the property is a large house in multiple occupation (HMo) If you rent out property, you must carry out regular checks of it and any goods supplied with it to ensure your tenants safety You will also need to ensure that all goods provided with the accommodation are safe (see panel, below). A competent person should carry out checks to confirm this before any tenancy begins, and you should keep records of these checks. Where goods such as garden equipment, chairs, stepladders and furniture containing glass are not covered by specific legislation, they must comply with the General Product Safety regulations 2005. That is, they must be safe. This includes supplying warnings and instructions with the items where these are necessary for safe use. A competent person should carry out checks and you should keep records of these All items should be checked at regular intervals to ensure they remain safe, and always use reputable suppliers when you order new goods. For further information on the responsibilities of a landlord, click here. rental SaFety checKS electrical equipment must prevent access to live, hot or moving parts. cables should be double-insulated, with no basic insulation exposed and no damaged wiring. an approved threepin plug, with sleeved pins and the correct fuse, should be attached. Warnings and instructions for the safe use of the electrical appliance should be provided. upholstered furniture must meet flammability requirements if it bears a permanent label headed carelessness causes Fire it is likely to comply. upholstered furniture includes sofas, beds, cushions, loose and stretch covers, cots, mattresses and upholstered garden furniture, if it is suitable for indoor use. gas appliances must be checked by a gas Safe-registered fitter every 12 months, to meet health and Safety executive requirements. a record of the check must be made available to the tenants. Credit: Murray dewar iStock / GeorgeManga iStock / redlineVector For further information, please contact your local trading Standards Service