Fire Safety
Furniture and Fire Regulations
What are my duties as a Landlord?
As a landlord you have a legal duty under The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 to ensure furniture supplied in your property meet the fire resistance requirements, if the letting of the property is considered a business activity.
The regulations state that from 1st March 1993, furniture (whether second-hand or new), which is additional to or in replacement of existing furniture in accommodation let prior to this date, must meet all fire resistance requirements.
Also, from 1st March 1993, all furniture (except furniture made before 1950) included in accommodation which is made available for let for the first time from this date must meet all the fire resistance requirements.
What types of furniture do the regulations cover?
Products include any of the following, which contain upholstery:
· Furniture intended for private use in a dwelling, including children’s furniture
· Beds, head-boards of beds, mattresses (of any size)
· Sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles
· Nursery furniture
· Garden furniture which is suitable for use in a dwelling
· Furniture in new caravans
· Scatter cushions and seat pads
· Pillows
The Regulations also apply to:
· Loose and stretch covers for furniture
Can I get any extra help?
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire risk checks to any household in Norfolk and may install a fire alarm free of charge. Please contact them by telephoning 08009178137 or emailing home.safety@fire.norfolk.gov.uk. Alternatively visit www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk
Useful Links
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988
Fire Safety Fact Sheet
Fire Precautions in Dwellings
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LACORS Fire Safety Leaflet