If you are a landlord of a rental property, you have a basic responsibility to take steps to keep your tenants safe. Some safety measures are not required by law, but if you fail to take them and the worst should happen, you could find yourself being prosecuted and fined or sued and having to pay compensation.
This is why all landlords should take the following safety steps:
1. Take basic health and safety training, as well as fire safety training – these training courses will teach you about risks, hazards and your responsibilities with regards to the safety of your tenants
2. Carry out a risk assessment on each property, or get a professional in to do it for you. This will tell you of any potential dangers and risks, as well as how to eliminate or reduce them.
3. Fit smoke detectors and fire alarms as standard in all of your rental properties
4. Read up on the safety measures which must be included in all rental properties, and follow the guidance to the letter
5. Follow up on all safety concerns communicated to you by tenants
6. Give tenants all the information they need about health and safety – this includes putting up safety signage.