Electrical Safety
The housing Act 2014 (Scotland) has introduced the legal requirement that all landlords carry out a fixed wiring Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on their rental property every five years. This is unless it's been recommended that checks are carried out more frequently by an electrician.
Portable Appliances Tests (PAT testing) on electrical items belonging to landlord must also be renewed every year.
Gas Safety
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 deal with landlord responsibilities to make sure gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe to use. All gas installations and appliances are required to be checked on an annual basis by a "Gas Safe" engineer where a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate is issued (LGS) - also known as a CP12.
Pipework, appliances and flues must be maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A 12 monthly gas safety check must be carried out on every gas appliances and flue for the Landlord Gas Safety Certificate to be valid. A safety check will make sure gas fittings and appliances are safe to use for tenants. A record of the annual gas safety check must be provided to your tenant within 28 days of the check being completed or to new tenants before they move in. Landlords must keep copies of the gas safety record for two years to be compliant.
You should also make sure your tenants know where to turn off the gas and what to do in the event of a gas emergency. For further information click on the Gas Safe link below.
Smoke Alarms
By 1st February 2022, all home should comply to the Tolerable Standard by having:
- Smoke alarms in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings.
- Smoke alarms installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes.
- Heat alarms installed in every kitchen
- All smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked.
- Carbon Monoxide alarms to be fitted where there is a fuel burning appliance or a flue.
This applies to all homeowners and landlords. Contact us now to ensure your property complies with the current legislation.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Housing Act 2014 (Scotland) has introduced the requirement that all landlords must have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors fitted in their properties.
A long life battery or mains powered detector must be fitted in any space which contains fuel burning appliance (excluding cooking appliances) e.g. a gas/oil boiler, gas/oil fire, wood burning stove or open coal fire. There should also be one in any bedroom or living room which is bypassed by a flue.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
You can't see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly and with no warning! Six main symptoms to look out for are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Loss of Consciousness
Legionnaires Disease
This is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella. All man-made hot and cold water systems are likely to provide an environment where Legionella can grow.
The law is clear that if you are a landlord and rent out your property (or even a room within your own home), then you have legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of your tenant by keeping the property safe and free from health hazards. You must identify and assess sources of risk, manage, prevent or control any risks and keep and maintain records.
An assessment should be carried out and reviewed at least once a year. For further information, get in touch with us today.
Live In Aberdeenshire? We’re Closer Than You Might Think!
If you’re in the area then please do come in. You can find us at number 222 Hardgate in Aberdeen. Open from 8am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, you’ll have ample time to browse and ask questions. We want to make sure that you get just what you need, so we welcome questions and are always happy to advise.
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