FAULTY WHITE GOODS THREATEN TENANTS SAFETY

If you provide your tenants with white goods, make note of your responsibilities to avoid potential disaster.

Fires involving white goods have cost the economy more than £118 million over the last five years, show new figures, with London Fire Brigade firefighters attending 1,072 white goods-related fires since 2011.

The average success rate of an electrical product recall in the UK is just 10-20%. This means than when a fridge, freezer, washing machine or other domestic appliance is recalled, many owners never receive the message – potentially leaving millions of recalled electrical items in use, at risk of electrical fault, shocks and the potential to start a fire.

Landlords who provide white goods in their rental properties should ensure none of the products they provide have been recalled, and take action immediately if they find they are affected.

The easiest way for manufacturers to track down your machine if they need to recall it is to have it registered with the maker, with details usually included in the instructions at the time of purchase.

Anyone with a recalled model in their homes is advised to immediately unplug the machine and stop using it.

Jax Kneppers, founder and CEO of property app creator Imfuna, tells Property Reporter: “Many landlords provide white goods in rental properties, including fridges and freezers that are switched on 24 hours a day. Landlords and agents should check to see if their fridges and freezers have been recalled and immediately advise tenants of any issues.

Landlords and agents should also ensure their properties have fully working smoke alarms. Landlords are legally required to fit smoke alarms in rented homes, as well as offer protection against carbon monoxide poisoning. They are also required to check all alarms are working when a new tenancy starts – with potential penalties of up to £5,000 if they don’t comply. Thorough property reports which flag items in need of repair are an essential part of ensuring that tenants remain safe in rented accommodation and that landlords avoid paying heavy fines.”