Stockton Rental Standard

Complying with statutory responsibilities

All landlords must comply with their statutory responsibilities by ensuring their properties provide a safe and healthy environment for all occupants and visitors. Any landlord who fails to address any identified defects may be open to enforcement action.

Guidance is available in the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS): guidance for landlords and property-related professionals' booklet

Fire safety risk assessments

A full fire risk assessment will help to ensure that landlords are complying with their statutory obligations and should be conducted on each property taking into consideration the occupants. Further information can be found in the LACORS Housing - Fire Safety booklet.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations

In addition to conducting fire safety risk assessments landlords must comply with the above regulations. An explanatory booklet can be found on the government website.

Electrical installations

Landlords must ensure that prescribed electrical safety standards are met and that every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested, by a qualified person, at least once every five years. Landlords must ensure that all electrical installations and appliances provided are maintained in a safe condition with an adequate number of sockets to prevent overloading. 

For further information read the Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector Gov.uk guide.

Furniture and furnishings

All furniture and furnishings supplied must carry a manufacturers label provided at the point of sale, which must be non-detachable. Landlords should keep all receipts to be able to prove that the furniture is compliant (for example if the non-detachable labels get ripped off/detached). Further information is available in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.