Accommodation
Safety
It is very important that you consider the following when viewing a property:
Gas
Your landlord is required by law to make sure that all gas appliances, including cookers, fires and boilers are inspected annually by a registered Gassafe engineer. Check that the property has been inspected and that your landlord provides a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate.
For further information on gas safety check www.gassafetyregister.co.uk.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be given off by any appliance that burns a fossil fuel such as gas, wood, oil or coal. This can happen if the appliance is not working properly, if the flue is blocked in any way or if the room is not ventilated properly.
It is odourless, colourless and tasteless which makes it difficult to detect. Most reported cases of CO poisoning are due to poor maintenance and ventilation of appliances and blocked or leaky fumes and chimneys.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place a duty on landlords to make sure that all appliances and flues are kept in good order and are checked every 12 months. These checks are only as good as the day they are carried out, therefore CO detectors are now mandatory in our registration criteria.
Carbon Monoxide may be present if there are any of the following danger signs:
- Sooty stains appear on or above appliance
- Fires are difficult to light
- The room is not properly ventilated
- Gas flames burn orange/yellow instead of blue
- Feelings of tiredness, dizziness drowsy and feeling nauseous
Fire
All furniture and furnishings supplied by a landlord, whether new or old, should comply with the 1988 Fire Safety Regulations. Check to see that the furniture displays a fire safety label or was made after 1988. If it does not comply with these regulations demand that the landlord replace the furniture.
Make sure that smoke detectors are fitted and are in working order. If you have any doubts or queries, contact Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service on 023 8064 4000 or visit www.hantsfire.gov.uk
Means of Escape
When viewing properties, make sure there is adequate means of escape from a fire. The Landlord must provide keys for all lockable windows and doors and ensure escape routes are clear. You should check whether there is a fire door fitted to the kitchen and the lounge and if there are any smoke detectors fitted.
Electricity
Accidents with electricity are rare but when you are viewing a property it is worth checking for the following:
- Check flexes/cables - look out for wear, damage and loose connections
- Overloading - ideally there should be one socket for every appliance
- Ensure that there are enough sockets in each room for your appliances
- Check that all electrical appliances are in good working order
- Ask the landlord if the electrics have been tested.
For further information regarding electrical safety please visit www.niceic.org.uk
