THE FIRE & FURNISHINGS REGULATIONS 1988

Some materials used to fill or cover furniture, particularly older and second hand furniture may be a fire risk and often produces poisonous gases when burning, such as cyanide or carbon monoxide.

If you let your residential property furnished or part furnished you must ensure that certain types of furniture and furnishings provided meet the current safety regulations. From 1st January 1997 all furniture in tenanted residential property must comply with the 1993 amendments to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 which extends the scope of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (CPA). The regulations apply to arm chairs, three piece suites, sofas, sofa beds, futons and other convertible furniture. Beds, bed bases and headboards, mattresses, divans and pillows. Nursery furniture garden furniture which could be used indoors loose, stretch and fitted covers for furniture scatter cushions, seat pads and pillows (This list is not exhaustive).

This regulation applies to Landlords letting their property in the course of business (investment or second property.)And does not strictly apply to the letting of your home on a temporary basis.

All upholstered items must have fire resistant filling material and must pass the "match resistance test" and "cigarette test" as prescribed. Furnishings manufactured after March 1990 should comply and carry a manufacturers label specifying so. If in doubt, refer to the furniture manufacturers for clarification.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN PROSECUTION WITH FINES OF UP TO £5,000 OR IMPRISONMENT.