The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulation 1988 (Amended 1993)

Download 'Guide to Furniture & Furnishings (fire) (safety) regulations'.

You could be held responsible
The purpose and reason for these Regulations is to reduce the possibility of death or injury, which can occur at a property when a fire takes place and the occupants are asphyxiated by the poisonous fumes produced from non-compliant furniture.

Harsh penalties

To reinforce the seriousness of this matter the offence carries a punishment of six months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine, or both. In the event of death the charges could extend to manslaughter.

Should a fire occur at a property, and it can be proven that non-compliant furniture aggravated the fire, the landlord could be held liable and even more severe penalties could result.

What if your property contains non-compliant furniture?
If your property contains furniture that does not meet with the requirements of this legislation then Easilett would not be able to let your property. The non-compliant furniture would need to be removed from the property or replaced with suitable alternatives.

How will I know if my furniture is compliant?

These Regulations were introduced to improve safety by requiring all upholstered furniture and furnishings in rented properties to comply. This means that a label should be attached stating it complies with the Regulations. If no labels are present you should check the position with the original retailer or manufacturer.

Furniture sold as new in the UK after 1st January 1988 may comply and after 1st January 1992 must comply.

Our obligation
This legislation makes it an offence for a letting agent to let a property containing furniture and furnishings which do not comply with the Regulations.

Examples of furniture
Examples of this type of furniture include: beds, mattresses, headboards, pillows, settees/sofas, armchairs, cushions, beanbags, pouffes, foot stools, children's chairs, beds and prams, convertible furniture supplied in kit form, outdoor furniture (suitable for use inside the home), loose fittings, permanent and loose covers and any fabrics supplied to provide or replace a permanent cover.

Furniture manufactured before 1st January 1950 does not need to comply with the Regulations as apparently the defective inflammable materials were not used prior to this date. This, therefore, exempts antique or period furniture.

If unsure
If you are unsure whether furniture complies or not, for a nominal fee Easilett can arrange for an independent inventory clerk to visit the property and assess furniture. Easilett will not accept responsibility for the safety of your furnishings, the responsibility must be with you, the Landlord.

More details here.

Health and Safety in Rented Accommodation

Visit DirectGov for the latest H&S factsheet to ensure you stay informed.

Letting agents cannot let out your property if the furniture does not meet the required regulations.