A guide for landlords and property managing agents

This web page is a brief guide to the safety legislation which applies to furnished accommodation which is supplied as part of a letting arrangement. This page informs you about your responsibilities to your tenants.

Why does the legislation apply to me?

  • The Consumer Protection Act 1987 requires that all goods sold or hired must be safe
  • When you let furnished accommodation you hire the contents to your tenant
  • Many items in the accommodation are covered by safety regulations, including gas, electrical appliances and furniture
  • It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that all goods supplied are safe

What goods are covered?

  • Upholstered furniture and furnishings, including sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, cushions, sofa beds, headboards, children’s and garden furniture
  • Electrical equipment installed or supplied with the accommodation
  • Gas appliances, including cookers
  • Bunk beds
  • Fire guards on gas or electrical fires
  • All other general products intended for, or likely to be used in accommodation
  • All the above products must be safe under normal conditions of use

How do I make sure my goods are safe?

  • Must have safety checks on all gas appliances every 12 months by a Corgi Registered person. Must keep records of these checks
  • Have all electrical goods checked by a qualified electrician
  • Remove and repair items which appear to be unsafe
  • Ensure all upholstered furniture complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988
  • Where you have to replace goods, buy from reputable sellers. If buying second hand goods make sure you receive proof they are safe
  • Keep all paperwork relating to the purchase, repair and testing of goods in the accommodation

Can I give my sofa to my tenants as a gift?

NO. If you give your tenant upholstered furniture or other goods you are still supplying them.  This means you are still caught by the safety regulations.

What happens if I do not comply?

If you supply unsafe goods to your tenants you may be liable to prosecution.  If you supply unsafe goods you may also be putting your tenant’s life at risk.

Useful contacts

Consumer Protection
154 Blackhorse Road
Walthamstow  E17 6NW
Tel: 020 8496 3000

British Gas
For information, contact your local district office. The number will be in your British Telecom phone book under 'gas'.

CORGI
For details of a registered gas installer in your home, phone CORGI on 01256 372 3000

Gas Consumers Council
For details of your local branch, look in your phone book under GAS or on the back of your gas bill.

Contact us:

Housing Services

Cedar Wood House
2d Fulbourne Road
Walthamstow  E17 4GG  (map)

Tel 020 8496 3000
Fax 020 8496 5431
Email housing.advice@walthamforest.gov.uk