Guide for Landlords 13
Fire and furnishings The Housing Health & Safety System (HHSRS) and
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Regulations 1998 state that it is a criminal Under The Housing Act 2004 there is a
offence to let premises with upholstered mandatory requirement for landlords of
furniture that does not comply with the safety properties made up of three or more stories
regulations. There are certain exemptions AND occupied by five or more people to have
to note, but the penalties for non-compliance a licence issued by the local authority as these
are tough. Further information and advice are viewed as Houses of Multiple Occupation
is available from your local Hamptons (HMO). Certain local authorities also class
International office. smaller low occupancy properties as HMO’s
and you should familiarise yourself with your
Items covered by the regulations: local authorities policy. The HHSRS is the
• Furniture intended for private use in a
risk assessment system by which residential
dwelling, including children’s furniture
properties are assessed by local authorities.
Certain HMO’s and other properties might be
• Beds, headboards and mattresses
assessed under HHSRS at some point. Your
• Sofas, sofa-beds, futons and other
local Hamptons International office will be
convertibles
able to advise.
• Nursery furniture
• Garden furniture which is suitable for
Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC)
use inside
From 1st October 2008, if you’re letting a
property the law requires you to provide an
• Scatter cushions and seat pads
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to
• Pillows
prospective tenants. An EPC is a legal
• Loose and stretch covers for furniture. requirement for any new tenancies that begin
on or after 1st October and details the energy
Most furniture purchased from reputable
performance of a property. It is carried out by
suppliers after 1988 should be labelled to
an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor to
indicate it complies with the legisation.
ensure it meets all legal requirements and is
valid for 10 years. Your local Hamptons
Items exempt from the regulations:
International branch are able to advise you on
the cost of an EPC and will be happy to arrange
• Sleeping bags
it for you.
• Bed linen (including duvets)
• Loose covers for mattresses
• Pillow cases
• Curtains
• Carpets
• Furniture made before 1950 and
re-upholstered furniture made before
that date.
www.hamptons.co.uk
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