These regulations were introduced under the jurisdiction of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and are designed to provide standards for the installation and maintenance of all new gas pipe work and appliance installations together with conditions for maintenance. Furthermore, the regulations have obligations for persons involved with the letting of a property.
Legislation and regulations can make the lettings industry a minefield. Updates to legislation are frequent and non compliance can lead to fines and even custodial sentence’s it is therefore advised that you use an experience and reputable letting agent to ensure you are compliant and kept up to date with new and changes to legislation.
The purpose and reason for these regulations is to reduce the incidence and possibility of death which can occur at a property when a fire takes place and the occupants are asphyxiated by the poisonous fumes produced from non-compliant furniture. To reinforce the seriousness of this matter the offence carries a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine, which is currently £5000 or both.
If you are going to sell or let your home then you will probably require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property first.