In general, responsibility for the safety of goods supplied in rented accommodation lies with the landlord, letting agent or estate agent.

What should I know about the upholstered furniture in my rented accommodation?

Modern upholstered furniture usually contains foam filling with a fabric cover. Problems were caused in the past by toxic fumes if the furniture caught fire. Regulations now in place require covers and fillings of upholstered furniture in rented accommodation to meet fire resistance standards.

What is upholstered furniture?

Any furniture with soft fillings/stuffing and fabric covers, such as sofas/sofa beds, armchairs, futons, beds, mattresses, etc.

How do I know if furniture is safe?

You can look for a label like the one below. This is generally sewn in under seat pads or into a seam, or may be on the underside (platform) of seating. Beds or mattresses won't have this label, but should have one which states compliance with BS 7177.

It isn't compulsory for furniture supplied by your landlord to be labelled, but more reassuring if it is. An alternative is to ask your landlord or letting agent for written confirmation that upholstered items supplied for your use comply with fire safety regulations.

What should I know about gas and electrical safety in rented accommodation?

Serious injuries can occur from electric shocks and fires caused by unsafe electrical appliances. The "silent killer", carbon monoxide poisoning, has cost more than 30 lives a year where gas appliances or flues have been incorrectly installed or maintained.
Your landlord is legally responsible for making sure that electrical and gas appliances provided to tenants are safe.

What should I look for?

For gas appliances, the landlord must have an annual check carried out by a qualified CORGI engineer who will inspect gas appliances/fittings and/or flues. By law a copy of the safety check must be issued by the landlord to tenant and records of each safety check must be kept by the landlord for 2 years.
You should check that you have adequate instructions for using gas appliances safely and that they are working properly. It is particularly important that in sleeping areas there is proper ventilation and automatic gas cut-offs are fitted.

The Health & Safety Executive has a Gas Safety Advice Line: 0800 300 363
or visit - www.hse.gov.uk

Carbon monoxide detectors are a good idea, as are smoke alarms, though your landlord is not legally obliged to provide these.
Generally all goods provided as part of your let should be in a safe condition, but remember you also have a responsibility to take care of them.

What should I do about any safety concerns in rented accommodation?

First talk to your landlord, letting or estate agent who has responsibility for the safety of goods supplied in your rented property.
For safety queries or concerns about upholstered furniture and goods generally (i.e. not fixed to the property) contact South Ayrshire Council Trading Standards.