Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide leaks can lead to severe illness and even death. The main cause of this is usually faulty gas appliances emitting dangerous levels of this silent, odourless killer.
Regulations have been introduced to tackle this and they state that all landlords must have their gas appliances checked for safety every twelve months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. They should also provide all new and existing tenants with a copy of the safety check record.
All students should demand this evidence from their landlord, regardless of whether this is a university, college, private individual or a lettings agency. There are also a number of detection devices are available on the market to monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home.
Fire, furniture and electrical safety
Other important issues for potential tenants to consider when they are seeking accommodation are those of fire, furniture and electrical safety (link to page on electrical safety). What you can do:
- Ensure that smoke detectors with working batteries have been fitted in appropriate places within the property, and check to see that there are fire blankets in the kitchen;
- Make sure each gas appliance is checked annually by a Gas Safe registered gas-installer (your landlord should deal with this).
- All furniture and furnishings should be made from fire-resistant materials and there should be a label attached which confirms this compliance;
- Check all electrical plug sockets for signs of damage, and that there are sufficient socket outlets for your needs;
- Ensure that there is a clear, safe and uncluttered means of escape from the building, and be especially wary of properties where the windows are barred.
Crime
Student houses often have a higher concentration of valuable goods such as electronic equipment than a family home and as such this can make them prime targets from crime which makes them targets for thieves. Visit our pages on crime for advice on how to protect your valuables, your home, and yourself from crime.