Fire & Soft Furnishings
It is an offence, punishable by a substantial fine, to supply in the course of business, soft furnishings which do not meet official fire resistance standards and carry permanent labels to that effect.
Broadly speaking, anything which is upholstered or has a filling such as mattresses, pillows, padded headboards, cushions, sofas, armchairs etc. would be covered by the regulations. Carpets, curtains and duvets would be the principal items excluded. Landlords should satisfy themselves that any soft furnishings they supply comply with current regulations.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are required by building regulations in any property built or modified since June 1992, and these must have mains operated interlinked smoke alarms fitted on every floor.
On older property, it is very strongly recommended that smoke alarms are fitted before any tenancy can commence. Battery operated ones are fine (after all the Fire Service will fit them for free!) but mains powered and linked ones are better.
