How safe is your accommodation: Tenants

A guide for tenants

This leaflet is a brief guide to the safety legislation which applies to furnished accommodation which is supplied as part of a letting arrangement.

This leaflet informs you about your landlord’s responsibilities to ensure you as a tenant are safe.

The Consumer Protection Act 1987 requires that all goods sold or hired must be safe
When you rent furnished accommodation the contents are hired to you by your landlord
Many items in the accommodation are covered by safety regulations, these include gas, electrical appliances and furniture
It is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that all goods supplied are safe

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.

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
Keep all paperwork relating to the purchase, repair and testing of goods in the accommodation

If your landlord supplies unsafe goods to you they may be liable to prosecution. They may also be putting your life at risk.

If you require further information contact:

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