Many landlords provide white goods as standard in their rental properties. 36% of accidental house fires are caused by appliances. Electrical safety is something that we all should take seriously.
What are your responsibilities as a landlord?
Landlords have a duty of care to ensure any appliances provided are safe for the tenants at the start of the tenancy and are in proper working order throughout the tenancy.
Annual PAT testing on family lets is not mandatory but is considered good practice and gives you and your tenants additional peace of mind.
Tenants should be provided with instruction manuals and told to read them.
Landlords are also required to have a working smoke alarm on every floor of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where solid fuel is used. It is also recommended that one should be placed near to the gas boiler.
You should also be visually checking all appliances to see if there are any wires damaged or whether a control panel is broken.
Tell tenants to let you know of any unusual noises and smells and get them checked.
Check your appliances are not on any recall list.
Don’t leave any appliances in communal areas such as hallways or stairwells.