Housing safety criteria must be met by all structures utilized for residential purposes. The properties utilized in property guardianship systems, on the other hand, are typically not meant for residential usage and may pose unique risks. As a result, when deciding whether or not to occupy a property, you should keep in mind that it may not meet safety regulations, and you should proceed with caution.
Regardless of tenure or agreement type, all renters have the right to feel safe and secure in their dwellings. The legal safeguards vary based on the occupancy status, although most of the health and safety regulations are the same for both tenancies and licenses. The local government is responsible for enforcing housing requirements in their jurisdiction, including those in guardianship homes, and has broad discretion to intervene if dangers or criteria are not met.
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When examining a property and before entering into any deal, it's critical to keep an eye out for the following typical dangers:
Please keep in mind that this list may not include all potential risks and hazards.
Cold
A frigid home is one in which sub-optimal interior temperatures pose a health risk. Living in the cold might be hazardous to one's health.
Check for insulation in the building, such as loft spaces or wall cavities, as well as window glazing. Check for central heating (radiators or air vents connected to a central heat source, such as a boiler) and make sure it is operational.
If you don't have central heating, make sure you have a backup plan in place, such as storage heaters.
If you have a 'assured short hold tenancy' (usually if you have sole possession of a room), your landlord should supply you with a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and the building should not have an EPC rating lower than E. A low EPC rating suggests that your home does not retain heat properly and could be quite cold in the winter. You can request that the guardian firm carry out some of the EPC's suggestions. Even if you have a permit, the building may require an EPC, which the property guardian business can provide.
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Mold and dampness
Respiratory difficulties, infections, allergies, and asthma can all be exacerbated or caused by damp and mold. It can also have an impact on the immune system, especially in young children or people who already have immune system issues. Damp also adds to excessive heat loss and raises heating expenditures, as well as causing damage to the fabric of the structure and its contents, such as clothing and furniture.
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Look for moist patches on the walls and ceilings, as well as mold, peeling wallpaper, and window condensation.
Check that the property is properly ventilated, and that you may safely open and close windows.
Fire dangers
Burns and smoke or gas inhalation can be fatal in the event of a fire.
On each floor, check for working smoke alarms.
Find the quickest way to get out of the house in the event of a fire, and double-check that fire exit doors' locks can be unlocked without a key.
Check for fire blankets and/or fire extinguishers on the premises. If these aren't available, you should consider requesting them from your landlord or a property management company.
If the property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the HMO Manager has additional fire-related responsibilities. These are some of them:
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To ensure that fire extinguishers and fire alarms are in excellent working order.
Ensure that signage showing the location of fire exits are visible to occupants.
To ensure that evacuation pathways are clear of impediments.
Responsibility to offer the manager's name, address, and phone number to all tenants.
Hazards associated with electricity
Shocks, burns, and even death can result from faulty wiring and old, untested electrical installations. Wired fuses or cartridges pose a substantially higher danger and can cause serious fires.
Check that the lights work and that the plug sockets aren't broken or coming loose from the wall.
Cables and wires should not be ragged or exposed.
Check for RCDs (Residual Current Devices) on all circuits - the guardian company should be able to identify them. (An RCD is a safety device that immediately shuts off electricity if it detects a problem.)
Landlords, including many 'property guardian' homes, will be required to assess the electrical equipment in rental residences under new legislation. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 went into effect on July 1, 2020, for new tenancies and licenses to occupy, and will go into effect on April 1, 2021, for all existing tenancies and licenses to occupy.
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The following will be required by the regulations:
At least every 5 years, electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a skilled and competent person.
Throughout the tenancy, electrical safety regulations must be met.
Landlords, including many 'property guardian' homes, will be required to assess the electrical equipment in rental residences under new legislation. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 went into effect on July 1, 2020, for new tenancies and licences to occupy, and will go into effect on April 1, 2021, for all existing tenancies and licences to occupy.
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The following will be required by the regulations:
At least every 5 years, electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a skilled and competent person.
Throughout the tenancy, electrical safety regulations must be met.
On request, tenants and local governments must receive reports (known as "Electrical Installation Condition Reports" or "EICRs"). Existing renters must receive a copy within 28 days after the inspection, but prospective tenants and local governments can request a copy of the most recent one in writing.
Defects in the structure
Poorly maintained properties can put people in danger of getting hurt. Tripping and falling can result in serious injuries, broken bones, and a loss of confidence.
Check for any loose tiles or leaking gutters to ensure the roof is in good working order.
The windows should be able to open and close correctly.
There should be no cracks or holes in the walls, no loose panels, and no ill-fitting partitions or structural components.
You should be able to safely access the property entrance and all rooms - you shouldn't have to risk bodily injury by climbing or walking on unstable ground, stairs, or landings.
Keep an eye out for obvious trip risks and/or uneven terrain (particularly on stairs, bathroom floors, at the exits of showers).
Also Read: What are the Duties of a Property Guardian?