Staying safe - moving in
Gas safety
Your landlord is legally required to have any gas installations within your property checked annually by a CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) gas installer. Contact them on 01256 708 133, website www.trustcorgi.com (opens new window). Landlords are also required to have the gas installations checked before the beginning of a new tenancy.
If you are over 60, chronically sick or disabled ask your gas supplier if you are entitled to a free gas safety check each year under their Priority Service Register.
The landlord should provide you with an up to date Gas Safety Certificate when you move into the property and also when the annual inspection takes place.
If your Landlord is not having the gas installations checked and serviced annually then you should contact the Private Housing Service team who will discuss the situation with the landlord. Alternatively you can contact the Health and Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk - opens new window) on 0800 300 363, who are able to enforce gas safety checks.
Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
Carbon Monoxide can not be seen and can not be smelt but it can and does kill! This is a poisonous gas that can be given off by appliances burning gas, coal, oil or wood that are not working properly
You can buy Carbon Monoxide detectors from DIY stores and other shops selling household products but they should not be used instead of regular servicing. Only buy a detector that displays the kite mark and meets British Standard BS 7860 or BS EN50291.
To safe guard your household from the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning a service on gas appliances must be carried out annually.
Landlords have to conform to strict legislations from the government's Health and Safety Executive(www.hse.gov.uk -opens new window) on 0800 300 363.
For more information contact Private Housing Service or the Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363.
Furniture and furnishings regulations
If you moved into private rented accommodation after 1st March 1993 then any upholstered furniture provided by the landlord must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. This also applies if you moved in before that date but the landlord has provided additional or replacement furniture. It means that all upholstered furniture (furniture containing stuffing or padding) e.g. sofas and mattresses, must meet certain standards of fire resistance to reduce harmful smoke that would be given off if they catch fire. Furniture must have a fixed label showing that it passes the cigarette and match test. Failure to meet the rules is a criminal offence. For more information contact the Private Housing Service.
Fire safety checks and smoke detectors
The London Fire Brigade can carry out free fire safety checks and provides and fits free smoke detectors in homes in London. For more information contact :
London fire Brigade
Freephone: 08000 28 44 28, 9–5pm, answerphone outside these hours
Email: smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk
(Please note that the above contact information is correct as of January 2008)
Page last updated: 16/06/2010
