An 82 year old landlord has been fined £5,000 for supplying her tenant a faulty radiator which led to her death. The landlord who lives in Cornwall inherited the property in 1980 but had let the property as a holiday home until 2007. Trading Standards officers prosecuted Hilary Thompson following the trajic death by electrocution of Thirza Whittal.
Mrs Whittal dies just days after she moved into the village with her husband. The property was let on a short hold tenancy agreement and was let furnished. "It was supplied furnished so the electrical appliances should have been safe" said prosecuter Emma Northey.

It’s a useful reminder to landlords that although electrical inspections are not compulsory (although in selective license areas they are usually insisted upon) that landlords are responsible for the electrical installation and appliances in rented property.

If you have any doubts over the electrical safety of your property or appliances you should have an electrical inspection carried out of the property and PAT Test (Portable Appliance Testing) of electrical appliances

Source:
PAT Testing
This Is Cornwall

Two frequently asked questions are; what is a Gas Safety Certificate and what does the Gas
Safety Certificate Cost?


What is a Gas Safety Certificate?

Should you have a rental property that is piped with gas or partial gas (to heat water) then it is the owner’s legal responsibility to ensure that the property has been certified. This means that the owner has upheld Health and Safety regulations by checking that the gas supply is in accordance with rental terms and conditions - this means getting a gas safety certificate. If you are a tenant then it is important to ask to see the certificate and to inquire when the next test will be done. Testing must be done annually with no exceptions.
 

What is the Gas Safety Certificate Cost?


The price of the inspection is negligible when you consider the cost of not having one done. The lack of gas safety testing has the real potential of costing far more than just a monetary sum. When lives are involved, gas safety is not worth taking a risk on. There is no set price to hire Gas Safe registered plumber to test and certify. The best way to minimise costs whilst maintaining a high standard is to request quotes from all the suppliers in your area. The Gas Safe Register will list all enginners near to you and a quote over the phone can usually be given. My charges are currently around £40 for a full inspection. It is wise to remember that cost efficiency is not the only priority – a thoroughly tested property by a responsible provider will ensure long term safety problems are avoided.