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What are your legal and safety requirements?
Within
this page you will find information on:
>
Furniture
and Furnishings Regulations 1993
> Gas Safety
Regulations 1998
> Electrical
Equipment regulations 1994
>
Building
Regulations 1991
> Why
do I need. Insurance
The
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment)
Regulations 1993
The
above regulations were amended in 1993 and set new levels
of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture
and furnishings. It is an offence to 'supply' in the
course of business any furniture which does not comply
with the regulations. This includes supplying furniture
as part of a residential property to be let.
The
regulations apply to; sofas, beds, bed-heads, childrens'
furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling,
scatter cushions and pillows, stretch or loose covers
for furniture or other similar items. The regulations
do not apply to: curtains, carpets, bedclothes (including
duvets and mattress covers).
Any
furniture manufactured after March 1990 is likely to
comply, but if the appropriate labels are not on the
furniture, compliance is in doubt and checks should
be made with the manufacturer.
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The
Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998
These
regulations first came into effect 31st October 1994
to ensure that gas appliances are properly installed
and maintained in a safe condition so as to avoid the
risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is the responsibility
of landlords to ensure that ALL gas appliances and gas
installation pipe work owned by them are checked for
safety at lease once a year by British Gas or a member
of the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).
In addition accurate records of the safety inspections
and any work carried out must be kept. The current safety
certificate must always be available for any tenant
prior to them taking occupation of a property.
Faulty
equipment can lead to death and a conviction of unlawful
killing on a landlord. Under the regulations any appliance
that does not conform can be disconnected.
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The
Electrical Equipment (Safety) regulations 1994
The
above regulations impose an obligation on a landlord
to ensure that all electrical appliances left as part
of a let property are safe. Cabling, fuses and plugs
should also be inspected and replaced where necessary
to the correct rating for that particular appliance.
Other
legislation covering electrical installations is currently
in force and we strongly recommend that all appliances
are regularly checked and serviced.
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The
Building Regulations 1991 - Smoke Alarms
The 1991 Building Regulations require that all properties
built since June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated
interlinked smoke detectors/alarms on each floor. Such
regulations regarding older properties do not exist
but we strongly recommend that smoke alarms are fitted
in all let properties and are regularly checked to ensure
they are in full working order.
Consent
To Let
If you have a mortgage you must obtain consent from
your mortgage lender. If your interest in the property
is leasehold your lease may require you to obtain consent
from your landlord prior to sub letting.
Insurance
Standard home owner insurance may well be invalidated
when you let your property. You should therefore seek
the advice and permission of your insurance company
before letting your home.
Tenancy
Agreement
It is a requirement for landlords to sign their own
tenancy agreement. Therefore it is important that we
are given clear instructions regarding the length of
time the property will be available and that we have
a contact address and telephone and fax number in order
that the document may be forwarded for signature prior
to any tenancy .
Premier
Homelet
We are appointed agents for Premier Homelet Insurance
Services who have specifically designed products for
the lettings market.
Referencing
should be the starting point for any let. The key factor
to the success of a tenancy is the suitability of the
tenant and, as we all know, selecting the right tenant
requires objective assessment. We can provide everything
from a credit check to a full reference including employment
and landlords references.
Premier
Homelet understands the risks associated with the rental
market and design policies that protect you and your
investment, their products are ideal for both the private
and professional landlord wishing to keep costs to a
minimum, yet ensuring that they are covered against
the main risks to their investments.
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Why
do I need. Insurance
Limited Contents
Cover Peace of mind for property investors
Limited
Contents Cover is ideal cover for landlords with unfurnished
or part furnished properties. It covers specific items
such as carpets, curtains, light fixtures and fittings
and kitchen white goods on a new for old basis. Additional
benefits include 90 days full cover for unoccupied properties
in between tenancies, loss of rent and landlords and
employers liability.
Legal
Expenses
For less than the cost of an initial consultation with
a specialist solicitor, Homelet offer £50,000 cover
for all legal costs involved in arranging the eviction
of tenants who have defaulted on their tenancy agreement
or unauthorized occupants. Once they have accepted your
claim, they will do the rest.
Rent
Guarantee and Legal Expenses
Homelet help by protecting your income/investment. Where
a tenant fails to pay the rent and you require financial
recompense and assistance with eviction then this cover
is ideal. Premier Homlet will pay you the rent expected,
subject to an excess, and provide up to £50,000 Legal
Expenses cover.
Emergency
Assistance
This covers the cost of a contractors call out in certain
emergency situations. Covers parts, labour and materials
up to £500 (inc VAT). Homelet take the call and deal
with the emergency so you don't have to 24/7, you or
your tenant can call our emergency assistance service.
Comprehensive
Buildings
Insurance An extensive and flexible buildings policy
including benefits such as 90 days full cover for unoccupied
properties in between tenancies, 30% loss of rent and
Accidental Damage and Nil Excess Options.
Full
Contents Insurance
Designed for furnished lets and covers your contents
on a new for old basis. Accidental damage and nil excess
options are available.
Low
Cost Buildings Insurance
An
economic buildings policy providing cover for the main
risks associated with let properties. Includes 20% loss
of rent, landlords liability and accidents to domestic
staff liability.
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