Part 6 in our series on “Compliance made simple.”
As property investors and letting agents, we are regularly having conversations with people about compliance. What often comes across is that people find it changeable and confusing. It is changeable, this is true, but it needn’t be confusing. With this in mind, we have put together a series on some of the most common compliance issues, in an attempt to explain them, in a way which is succinct and non-confusing. The sixth in this series is all about Fire and Furnishings.
As more and more landlords utilise up cycled furnishings and repurpose items from other properties, in a bid to do their bit to minimise their carbon footprint, whilst keeping costs down, the information herein has become even more relevant and important. Some of our landlords are amazing at breathing new life into furniture and finding tremendous bargains on social platforms; it really is a skill! A word to the wise though, please ensure that the furniture that you supply in your rental properties is compliant, this is crucial, read on for more details!
What are The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1988?
Regulations, Requirements & Duties
The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations came into force on 1st November 1988, to protect furnished goods against fire. They set the levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings, and other products containing upholstery. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that any furniture left at the property complies with these regulations.
The items below are included if they contain upholstery (soft furnishings):
- Sofa beds & futons
- Beds, headboards, mattresses and bed bases.
- Sofas, armchairs and foot stalls
- Nursery furniture
- Garden furniture suitable for use indoors (deckchairs & parasols are not covered)
- Scatter cushions and seat pads
- Pillows
- Padded seats
- Loose and stretch furniture covers
The regulations do not apply to:
- Bed covers, including mattress protectors & duvets
- Curtains
- Carpets
- Furniture made before 1950 (as long as it has not been re-upholstered)
Penalties:
Non-Compliance is a criminal offence and may lead to a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months. The trading standards office is responsible for seeing that the regulations are complied with.
If you are unsure, you should look for the “fire safety” tag on the furniture, if you cannot find it… don’t risk it. Non-fire safe furniture kills, so be responsible and keep your tenants safe!
As Landlords and Investors ourselves, we can help and advise on all aspects of your portfolio. If we can help you then give us a call on 0117 440 6789 or email us here together we can make being a landlord simple, passive and stress free!
