Purplebricks | Lettings Disclaimer

Lettings Disclaimer

Introduction

BY USING THE LETTINGS SERVICES PROVIDED BY PURPLEBRICKS (‘THE SERVICES’), YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS DISCLAIMER; IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE SERVICES.

Purplebricks reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change, modify, add or remove portions of this disclaimer, at any time. It is your responsibility to check this disclaimer periodically for changes. Your continued use of the Services following the posting of changes will mean that you accept and agree to the changes.

Landlords using our ‘Advertise Only’ service may be subject to an ID check to comply with money laundering regulations. This will not affect your credit score.

Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

From the 1st of April 2021, landlords leasing property to tenants in the UK must produce an electrical safety certificate that verifies electrical installations have been tested.

As Landlord you should:

Ensure all electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified NIC EIC approved contractor at least every 5 years.
Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.
Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.
Supply the local housing authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a written request for a copy. (This timescale may vary for different councils under new property licensing terms and conditions)
Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
Where the report shows that further investigative or remedial work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.

The Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994 (Consumer Protection Act 1987)

Any plug, socket or adapter supplied which is intended for domestic use, must comply with the appropriate current regulations.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire safety) Regulations 1988 (As amended)

It is an offence to install any furniture in let properties which do not comply with the regulations. Products covered by the regulations are as follows:

All types of upholstered seating including chairs, settees, padded stools and ottomans. Children’s furniture, foot stools, sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles, bean bags and floor cushions, nursery furniture and upholstered items designed to contain a baby or small child. Domestic upholstered furniture that is supplied in kit form for self-assembly. Second hand furniture, upholstered head-boards, footboards and side rails of beds.
Furniture for use in the open air (garden and outdoor furniture) which is suitable for use in a dwelling (homes and caravans), upholstery in caravans (although not vehicles or boats). Cane furniture which includes upholstery.
Divans, bed-bases, mattresses, pillows, and mattress pads (toppers) (FILLING MATERIAL ONLY)
Scatter cushions and seat pads (FILLING MATERIAL ONLY)
Permanent covers for furniture (textiles, coated textiles, leather, etc) Loose and stretch covers for furniture. Covers for non-visible parts of furniture
Foam and non-foam filling material for furniture

The regulations do not apply to furniture manufactured prior to 1950.The regulations do not apply to sleeping bags, bedclothes (including duvets), loose covers for mattresses (i.e. mattress protectors), pillowcases, curtains and carpets.

Building Regulations - Part "P" Electrical Safety in Dwellings (As amended)

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 puts the responsibility on Landlords to ensure the buildings, electrical installation in their property is safe when the tenancy begins, and that it is maintained in a safe condition throughout that tenancy. From 1st January 2005, all domestic electric installation work (particularly in kitchens and bathrooms) must be carried out by a Government "Approved” contractor. In addition, electrical contractors will have to verify the work complies with British Standard Safety Requirements (BS7671). Failure to comply with these regulations is a criminal offence and could result in fines of up to £5,000 and/or imprisonment. In April 2013, the range of electrical work that is notifiable by a contractor were reduced. Please refer to regulation 12(6A) within the part ‘P’ regulations for a full list of these.

Summary of Landlord Responsibilities:

Only use "Competent Approved" contractors.
Ensure that cracked/damaged sockets or plugs and frayed wiring is made good (1994 Plugs and Sockets Act).
Ensure all appliances are safe to use prior to any let - i.e., cooker/kettle/toaster etc. Property should be inspected and tested at least every 10 years by a ‘Competent Person’.
All socket outlets which may be used for equipment outdoors (e.g. a lawnmower) should be protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD).
Retain copies of any certificates of electrical works carried out. For additional information please visit: www.communities.gov.uk.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (As amended)

Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.

Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.
The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

All of these alarms must be tested and certified annually to ensure they are in full working order.

Please note, should the required alarms not be present prior to move in, Purplebricks will organise for the supply and fitting of the required alarms and the appropriate fee will be payable by you.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (As amended)

Landlords are legally required to renew their gas safety certificate annually. An annual gas safety check involves a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer visiting your rental property to inspect the gas appliances, such as the hob and oven, and systems, like the boiler and hot water cylinder.

It’s important to note that an annual gas safety check is different to a gas or boiler service. Whilst a check involves inspection and testing, it does not include the repairing of appliances.