The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
The above regulations were amended in 1993 and set new levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings. It is an offence to 'supply' in the course of business any furniture which does not comply with the regulations. This includes supplying furniture as part of a residential property to let.
The regulations apply to; sofas, beds, bed-heads, children's furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling, scatter cushions and pillows, stretch or loose covers for furniture or other similar items. The regulations do not apply to curtains, carpets, bedclothes (including duvets and mattress covers).
Any furniture manufactured after March 1990 is likely to comply, but if the appropriate lables are not on the furniture, compliance is in doubt and checks should be made with the manufacturer.
The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998
These regulations first came into effect 31st October 1994 to ensure that the gas appliances are properly installed and maintained in as a fee condition so as to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is the responsibility of the landlords to ensure that ALL gas appliances and gas installation pipe work owned by them are checked for safety at least once a year by British Gas or a member of the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). In addition accurate records of the safety inspections and any work carried out must bed kept.
The current safety certificate must always be available for any tenant prior to them taking occupation of a property
Faulty equipment can lead to death and conviction of unlawful killing on a landlord. Under the regulations on any appliances that does not confirm can be disconnected.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
The above regulations impose an obligation on a landlord to ensure that all Electrical appliances left as part of a let property are safe. Cabling, fuses and plugs should also be inspected and replaced where necessary to the correct rating for that particular appliance.
Other legislation covering electrical installations is currently in force and we strongly recommend that all appliances are regularly checked and serviced.
The Building Regulations 1991 - Smoke Alarms
The 1991 Building Regulations require that all properties built since June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated interlinked smoke detectors/alarms on each floor. Such regulations regarding older properties do not exist but we strongly recommend that smoke alarms are fitted in all let properties and are regularly checked to ensure that they are in full working order.
Further, under the liability section of the policy up to £2,500 can be claimed for Accidental Damage to the landlords buildings, contents, fixtures and fittings.
All claims are subject to a excess fee.
Option of Personal Possessions Cover
This is an optional section available under the Tenants Contents policy
It covers loss or damage to Personal Possessions while in the U.K, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, and whilst temporarily removed elsewhere in the world for up to 60 days in any one period of insurance.
Two levels of cover are available being either £2,000 or £3,000.
Pedal Cycles (*£400 each), Clothing and Personal Effects (including Valuables, jewellery, watches fur, binoculars), Musical photographic and Sporting equipment as well as Personal; Money (£500) and Credit Card liability (£250).
Single item limit of £2000 (unspecified). Must specify items exceeding £2000 in value.
The minimum premium is £60.00 + IPT
Policies are administered by Heath Lambert Insurance Services