It is an offence to let out a property containing furniture and furnishings that do not comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. If any property is found not to comply, the Landlord and Agent could face up to six months imprisonment and/or fines of up to £5,000.
Effective from 1st March 1993, it became an offence to supply furniture in a rented property which does not comply with the standards contained in Regulation 14 of the 1988 Regulations.
Furniture manufactured before 1st January 1950 is exempt from the Regulations.
The Regulations state that the offence is committed when the furniture is supplied “in the course of business”. Investment or professional Landlords are therefore clearly covered by the legislation.
Owner occupiers letting their own home on a “one-off short term” basis are less likely to be deemed as acting in the “course of business” and may be exempt from the regulations.
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