Maintaining gas installations and fittings in accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 (as amended), we would recommend that gas appliances are serviced annually. Gas Safety Certificates are required annually. We reserve the right to organise a safety inspection should the landlord fail to provide the relevant certificates.
Smoke alarms/heat detectors must be fitted to the property, a minimum of one on each floor. We reserve the right to have these installed and the cost reimbursed.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted to each area where a gas appliance is present. If there is no carbon monoxide detector fitted we reserve the right to have one fitted and the Landlord will be charged.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 state that all electrical appliances, both fixed and portable, in rented accommodation must be safe. The only sure method of checking this is to have them tested and labelled periodically by a qualified electrician with the appropriate portable appliance testing equipment. We can arrange an electrical safety inspection on your behalf.
If properties are let furnished all furniture must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety Regulations) 1988 – i.e. all fillings and covering shall be fire resistant with notification labels attached.
Landlords are required to check their cold water storage cistern (tank) in the roof space to ensure that is has strong and sturdy level boards to support the whole of the cistern. This should extend beyond the edges of the cistern and be properly supported underneath.
You may be aware that Landlords will soon be required by Law to carry out annual risk assessments on their properties for Legionnaires Disease and address any risks highlighted. Landlords can carry out their own risk assessments BUT MUST provide us with a copy of the risk assessment, much like the annual gas safety certificate. Alternatively, we will be able to carry out this service for landlords on an annual basis at a cost of £72 including VAT.
We would anticipate that the first assessment will highlight any risks and we will be able to provide quotations for the works to bring the property up to the required standard.
