If people are going to be living in your property, you need to make sure that it’s completely safe. Landlords are bound by law to carry out certain safety measures. But just what are some of these measures? This guide lists a few of the most important safety regulations to consider if you’re planning on renting your property out.
Fire safety
Is your property tested to fire safety regulations? This could be the first aspect to focus on. There are many elements to property fire safety, but a few key measures you should take include:
- Installing a working smoke alarm and regularly testing it to ensure it works
- Making sure that any room with burning appliances has a carbon monoxide alarm
- Making sure that all furnishings, ranging from sofas to carpets, are ‘fire-safe’
- Making sure that there are clear fire escape routes (if a loft has only a ladder leading up to it, it will need to have stairs installed).
Specific properties may require extra fire safety measures. For example, fire damper testing may be essential if a property has HVAC. It’s worth booking a fire safety inspection to make sure that your property ticks all the boxes.
Electrical safety
It’s important that all electrics in the property are safe and installed correctly. You should send an electrician around to provide a full visual inspection before tenants move in. A professional inspection is necessary every five years and should be carried out by a licensed electrician. Repairs must also be carried out by a licensed electrician to ensure that they are done to a professional standard. Older properties typically need the most electrical maintenance and certain features may need to be updated (any old wiring will need to be replaced and an RCD will need to be fitted if the property doesn’t currently have one).
Gas safety
If your property has gas appliances, you will need to make sure that all of these appliances are safe to use – faulty gas appliances could pose a fire risk or put tenants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. To make sure all gas appliances are working correctly, you should hire a qualified gas engineer to do an inspection. Before renting out your property, you must have a document to show that you have had a gas safety check.
Mould/damp
It is your responsibility to prevent mould growth in the property. Mould growth is caused by dampness and can be a health hazard due to the toxic spores that it releases into the air. There are various different measures you can take to mitigate mould in your property. One is to make sure that the property is suitably ventilated such as installing an extractor fan in the bathroom and adding trickle vents to windows. Another way to prevent mould is to use mould-resistant paint. Make sure that any dampness is also looked into – things like plumbing and rainwater leaks should be fixed as soon as possible.
