1. The Property shall be structurally stable and watertight. Gutters and down pipes shall be free flowing and secure.
2. Doors and windows including sash and casement must be free of cracks. Upper floor windows that are accessible to children must have windows locks.
3. Open fireplaces shall be sealed off with suitable paneling and ventilated with a louver or fixed grill.
4. The property shall be clean and free from disrepair that will render it suitable for occupation under part VI of the housing act 1985. The property shall be maintained both internally and externally in a reasonable state of repair and free from defects, which materially affects the comfort of the occupiers
5. The property shall be free from dampness. Damp can cause mould on walls, furniture and window frames, which can increase the risk of respiratory illness in the occupants
6. By law, with exception of the room sealed tight, there are restrictions on the installation of gas appliances in bedrooms. For further information contact the health and safety Executive
7. There must be a minimum of one smoke detector / alarm on each level of the property
8. There must be adequate heating suitable for the size of the property. Any heating system must be support by a service agreement with 24-hour response by a recognised Corgi or N.I.C.E.I.C contractor.
9. All rooms shall have adequate level of natural light and shall be adequately ventilated. Adequate electric lighting must also be provided. Windows to bathrooms and toilet are to be glazed with obscure glass.
10. There must be a hot and cold water supply. Sanitary wear must be clean and free of chips or cracks. All plumbing and drainage must be in working order. Areas around baths, wash hand basins. Sinks and showers must be sealed against water leakage. Bath panels must be correctly fitted and free from cracks.
11. Kitchens shall have adequate storage and worktop space suitable for the size of the property.
12. Internal and/or eternal doors with glass panels must have safety glass installed or opaque safety film applied.
13. Floors must be carpeted or covered with an alternative floor covering suitable for the style of room. Carpets and lino must be free from rips, tears and stains. Stairs shall be safe and any carpeting must be secure.
14. Gardens, side entrances, garages or sheds, must not provide health or safety hazards such as; accumulation of rubbish or building materials, poorly maintained fences, dangerous structures.
15. Fire and Furnishings (Safety) Regulations 1988 (1993) All soft furnishings such as settees, sofas, beds, padded chairs, pillows cushions and so on must comply with the Fire Resistance requirements contained within the regulations. Items of furniture made prior to 1950 are termed as antiques and as such are excluded from the regulations. Usually a label is attached to the item of furniture to confirm it is acceptable.
16. Gas Safety (Installations and Use) Regulations 1994 amended (1996) All gas appliances and installations within the accommodation must be checked on an annual basis by a qualified Engineer (CORGI or British Gas) for its safe use.
    It is legal requirement under the gas safety (Installation and use) Regulations 1998 that a corgi-registered contractor must inspect all gas appliances. A satisfactory pass corgi cp12 gas safety certificate must be supplied to Ideal Residentials Limited
    This includes such items as Gas Fires, Central Heating boilers, Gas cookers and other gas appliances. It also insists that flues and chimney's are clear of obstructions and in the correct place.
    A certificate must be issued by the engineer and a copy presented to the Tenant at start of any tenancy.
    Any items that fail to comply with the regulations must be fixed or removed from the property immediately.
17. The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 These regulations require that all Electrical equipment left at the property be 'safe and of no risk or injury to human or animal'.
    They should be checked that flexes, fuses and electrical out put are safe and correct. Items that must comply are all portable electrical items such as electric cookers, fridges, washing machines, kettles, toasters etc..
    There should be a minimum of two 13-amp sockets in each bedroom, four in the kitchen and three in the living room. Landlords must ensure that electrical wiring; sockets and appliances are safe for use. An N.I.C.E.I.C electrical installation certificate in accordance with BS7671 must Be supplied to Ideal Residentials Limited.

Asbestos

Proposed amendments to the control of Asbestos at work Regulations will affect landlords who are responsible for solely residential, tenant occupied premises. The supporting Approved Code of Practice will require that a survey be carried out to assess whether any asbestos materials are present within the premises.

The word premises include outbuilding (garages/sheds), external services (pipe runs/ducts), and yards.

The new code clearly tells the owner that you must do everything that you reasonably can to decide whether there is asbestos present in your premises, and if so where it is and its current position. The guidance note will give full information relating to how asbestos surveys must be carried out, management plans and risk assessments.

As these amendments to the current regulations place numerous additional responsibilities on the duty of the care holder, it is advisable to contact the Health & Safety Executive or licensed asbestos contractors for further information.

Ideal Residentials Limited are committed to Health and Safety, Private Landlord properties not meeting the above standards will not be offered for lettings to any of our clients.

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