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The National Landlords Association is urging landlords maintain high standards of fire safety in their properties – a reminder that all rental accommodation must be in ship-shape if it is going to be sure of a paying tenant.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, says: "Fire safety in the private-rented sector is clearly an issue of vital importance and one that all landlords must take seriously. Keeping a record of all the fire safety precautions taken in a rental property will offer reassurance to tenants that their landlord strives to keep their property as safe as possible.

"Landlords face a complex maze of fire safety laws, with different legislation relevant to specific property types. It is important that landlords are aware of which is relevant to their properties and ensure they are adhering to the rules."

This may seem like an obvious chore for a landlord, but many may not have been quite so rigorous in checking their property. And that means, if there were a fire, insurance may be void. This could mean many thousands of pounds in lost income, many more in repair and then many more again in fines and loss of earnings. It would be disaster in this environment, simply.

Also, as the NLA point out, making fire safety a boast is going to improve your chances of getting a tenant. In this current climate, you should be doing all you can to make your property as attractive as you can. That means fire safety, simple but professional decoration, green modifications, good plumbing, reliable heating system, well maintained electricity – simple things that can go a long way to making your investment one that will carry on making you a profit.

SOURCE: NLA, 16/02/09

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