Landlords or management companies are responsible for the safety of all gas and electrical appliances, electrical circuitry and furniture and furnishings Checks will be carried out annually.

THE LAW STATES:

All portable (PAT) and fixed wired electrical appliances must be tested by qualified persons and conform to the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory for rented property since January 1997

Every gas appliance must conform to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994

Only CORGI registered businesses using ACS qualified engineers can carry out work on gas appliances and piping.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 became mandatory from 1st January 1997. They state that all upholstered furniture must comply with the fire resistance requirements

You are bound by law to keep a service record of all gas and electrical appliances. Your tenant has the legal right to inspect these records.

Please also be aware of the inspection requirements laid down by the new Building Regulations 'Part P' which was effective from 1st January 2005 and affects work carried out on the electrical installation in domestic properties - we can advise you of whether you need an inspection

Failure to comply with your legal obligations could endanger the safety of your tenant. It can invalidate your insurance cover and may also lead to prosecution.