Fire and Safety in Properties

Question 1

New build properties or conversions since 1992, must have what?

Answer 1

Adequate fire safety systems under the current Building Regulations

Question 2

What alarms should be fitted for all tenancies from 1st October 2015?

Answer 2

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Question 3

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place legal duties on who?

Answer 3

Landlords, agents and contractors dealing with rented properties

Question 4

What does the law say about gas appliances?

Answer 4

They must be safe and failure to comply is a criminal offence

Question 5

What is the body that gas engineers must be approved by?

Answer 5

The Gas Safe Register

Question 6

How often should a gas safety check be done?

Answer 6

Every year by a qualified engineer (who must complete a gas safety record)

Question 7

A gas safety record must be given to tenants when?

Answer 7

New tenants before they move in

Existing tenants within 28 days of the check

Question 8

How long should gas safety records be kept for by the agent/landlord?

Answer 8

2 years

Question 9

If an agent arranges to renew the gas safety record for a landlord, they take on the landlords responsibilities for gas safety… true or false?

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Electrical equipment supplied must be what?

Answer 10

Safe and in line with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1989

Question 11

Is it mandatory to have electrical equipment checked on a yearly basis?

Answer 11

Not at present, but is it best practice to have it tested prior to the start of the tenancy and at periodic intervals thereafter

Question 12

It is considered best practice to have electrical systems tested how often?

Answer 12

Every 5 years

Question 13

New regulations requiring electrical safety check are expected under what legislation?

Answer 13

The Housing and Planning Act 2016

Question 14

Both landlords and agents can be classed as suppliers of electrical equipment in a rented property, and are therefore liable under the law… true or false?

Answer 14

True

Question 15

The Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994, set standards for what?

Answer 15

Plugs, adapters and sockets in domestic appliances

Question 16

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended set standards for what?

Answer 16

Domestic furnishing and furniture made or re-upholstered since March 1989 (some items are excluded, for example carpets, curtains and furniture made before 1950)

Question 17

Landlords and agents are not responsible for fire safe furnishings… True or false?

Answer 17

False… if they supply furniture in the course of business then they are responsible under the regulations for fire safe furnishings

Question 18

Breach of Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 is what?

Answer 18

A criminal offence… but the defence of due diligence can be used

Question 19

Regarding water… what should be done for safety in residential properties? (5 points)

Answer 19

1. Risk of exposure to Legionella should be assessed
2. Water should not be allowed to stagnate in the water system
3. Hot water should be stored at 60 degrees Celsius
4. Cold water tanks should have tight-fitting lids
5. Shower heads should be cleaned and disinfected regularly

Question 20

Where asbestos is discovered in a property, what should take place?

Answer 20

A risk assessment

Question 21

Any work involving asbestos should be carried out by who?

Answer 21

Approved contractors only

Question 22

Asbestos and ACMs can be put in a standard bin… true or false?

Answer 22

False.. they are controlled waste and should be disposed of in accordance with the Regulations