Accord Lets Issue Stark Warning After Landlord Prosecution
14 July 2009
Following a stark warning from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) earlier this month, urging landlords and property agents to check their gas appliances are serviced and maintained to a high standard, following the prosecution of a Tamworth based man, Accord Lets, the leading letting agents in Birmingham city centre are offering sound yet practical advice for those in doubt....
At the start of June, Paul Bird, a Tamworth based man was fined £2000 and ordered to pay £2,220 in costs under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, after four of his tenants collapsed following a suspected case of carbon monoxide poisoning, highlighting the need for landlord education.
Mr Mimmack, from the firm who offer not just Birmingham apartments to let but property to rent in Leamington and Warwick property to let, said, “Unfortunately this was not an isolated case and according to HSE figures, around 20 people every year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. Independent landlords will often begin renting out a property unaware of their obligations and this is why it is important to stay on top of the frequently changing legislative issues attached to property ownership.”
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 landlords have an obligation to ensure that gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition and that gas appliances are serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If this is not possible, landlords should have their gas appliances serviced annually by a professional engineer.
If a landlord is renting out a property for the very first time, it is essential that they get all of their gas appliances serviced within one year of the first tenant moving in and have any subsequent checks carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Mr Mimmack, from the firm who offer a range of properties to rent in Leamington and Warwick, ideal for couples or families, added, “It is extremely easy for landlords to underestimate how much work is involved with offering a property for rent. It just goes to show that if landlords fail to keep up with legislative issues, the consequences can be horrific. I would advise any landlord renting out a property for the very first time to enlist the help of a reputable letting agent, to avoid costly mistakes.”
About Accord
Accord was formed in 1990 with the aim of providing a professional, approachable, honest and caring service.
They are a premium-letting agent with property to let in Leamington, Birmingham and Warwick.
They believe that they have been able to hold on to these principles and that is the reason why so many of their clients have continued to use them. Their clients include a mix of prospective tenants and property owners, and they are proud that their clients still recommended them to others.
Currently the company has two offices: one in Birmingham city centre and the other in Leamington Spa.
As a company they are committed to building long-term relationships as they have found that property letting is not just about property and systems but, most importantly, about people.
You will find the company harnesses the latest technology to present properties well and as widely as possible, communicates efficiently and effectively and believes strongly in personal customer service.