Thursday 10th December has been earmarked as ‘The Private Rented Sector Safety Shocks’ event, held in Westminster, which will see representatives from across the public and private sectors come together to discuss improving safety in private rented housing.
Some nine million people currently rent in the UK, many putting up with poor, unsafe housing conditions. The event will be the showcase of a new industry-led solution which is hoped will tackle this growing problem, without the need to increase regulations.
‘The Home Safety Certificate’ is checklist designed to help save landlords time and ensure that their properties comply with all safety requirements. The certificate has been created by a group of industry stakeholders and chaired by NAPIT, and includes all elements of gas and electrical safety checks, risk assessments for the prevention of legionnaires disease, as well as confirming the presence of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Commenting ahead of the event, Chris Bielby, chairman of the Electrical Safety Roundtable, said: “Safety Shocks is a great opportunity for industry and government to work together, and for interested organisations such as mortgage lenders, insurance providers and local authorities to understand and incentivise the use of the Home Safety Certificate.”
Michael Andrews, NAPIT chief executive, adds: “As an active member of the Electrical Safety Roundtable, we’ve worked together with like-minded organisations to make life easier for those who want to do right by their tenants.
“This approach reflects the fact that ‘rogue landlords’ that wilfully subject their tenants to substandard conditions are in the minority. The most significant gains for the sector can therefore be made making sure the conscientious majority are fully aware of their legal conditions.”
For more details on the Home Safety Certificate, visit www.electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk.
For those interested in helping raise awareness of safety in residential properties, we offer a number of gas and electrical qualifications for installers and managers working in the social housing sector. Click here for full details.