Renting a safe home
All homes must meet health and safety standards.Landlords should provide properties that are safe and healthy. This means regularly reviewing the condition of the property and carrying out repairs when needed.
Use this information to check that a property is safe to live in, and will not affect you or your family's health.
Damp and mould
Dampness and high humidity cause mould. This can lead to:
- Lung (respiratory) problems and infections
- Allergies
- Asthma
- The immune system, particularly in young children
Check for
- Damp patches on walls and ceilings
- Mould
- Peeling wallpaper
- Condensation on windows
- A musty smell
- Good airflow (ventilation)
- Windows that open
Cold and heat
Cold homes
A cold home can lead to illness or death. These illnesses include:
- Cold and flu
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Hypothermia
A cold home cannot be kept at a temperature of 18-21 Celsius at a reasonable cost.
Ask for a demonstration of the central heating when viewing the property. Is the central heating working? Do the heating controls work?
If there is no central heating, is there an alternative type of heating?
Hot homes
Excess heat can be a risk to health. Health risks include:
- Dehydration
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- Breathing difficulties
- Infections
These risks are greater for the elderly.
Pollutants
Asbestos
Materials containing asbestos are generally safe if they are in good condition. However, damaged or broken asbestos can release fibres and dust into the air. This dust can cause:
- Pleural disease
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
Your landlord should seek professional advice on the removal of damaged asbestos.
Wood treatments
Pesticides and chemicals are used to treat timber mould growth and pests. These can cause breathing difficulties and skin diseases.
Gas
Gas escaping from cookers or heaters can cause suffocation and explosion.
Household appliances may release carbon monoxide and other gases. These can be extremely toxic, and cause:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Bronchitis
- Breathlessness
- Asphyxiation
When viewing the property, check that appliances are properly installed and maintained.
Ask to see the gas safety certificate. Any gas appliances in the property must have an annual gas safety check. The landlord must ask a Gas Safe registered engineer to do this. A carbon monoxide alarm must be present in the property.
Other chemicals and pollutants
Dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde can be found around the home. These can cause:
- Allergies
- Irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Lead from paint or water and waste pipes can cause nervous disorders in adults. They may also cause mental health and behavioural problems in children.
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Space, security, light, and noise
Crowding increases the risk of infections and accidents. Contagious diseases are more likely to spread in crowded dwellings.
Consider the size of living rooms, kitchens, and other recreational spaces. Is there enough room for beds and furniture? There should be adequate living area for sleeping and normal household life.
Check windows for locks and the front door for break-in signs. The fear of unwanted entry can cause stress and anguish.
Lack of lighting can cause depression, eyestrain and vitamin D deficiency. When viewing a property, remember to note if there is adequate light.
Noise caused by poor sound insulation can cause:
- Sleep disturbance
- Poor concentration
- Headaches
- Anxiety
Listen for neighbour and road noise. If you can, try to get a second viewing at a different time of day.
Hygiene, sanitation, and water supply
Poor hygiene, pests, and refuse can lead to:
- Stomach upsets
- Infections
- Diseases
- Asthma
- Allergies
Check that any included 'white goods' are working. White goods are large household appliances like washing machines, cookers, and fridges.
The property should be free from cracks, holes, or voids. These can allow pests into the building or give them places to hide.
There should be space for rubbish storage. Look out for mice droppings or other pest activity. Ask about refuse collection, especially if there are shared bins.
Check the water supply and plumbing
- Drinking water should come from the mains
- Toilets should flush
- Taps should open and run - check the water pressure and that the water gets hot
- Cupboards underneath sinks should be dry
Accidents
Electronics
Faulty wiring and old sockets can lead to shocks, burns, and even death. Electrical installations should be safe and in a good state of repair. If you can, turn lights on and off, especially with older switches. Check that plug sockets do not come away from the wall.
Cookers, heaters, and other electrical appliances should be placed away from flammable materials. They are best placed in the middle rather than the end of kitchen units. They should also be regularly maintained and tested. This will also reduce the risk of fire. You should be particularly concerned about this if you have younger children.
Fire
Check for a fire safety blanket in the kitchen. There should also be a working smoke detector.
Consider how easy it would be to escape the property in the event of a fire.
Falls, slips, and trips
Falls can cause physical injuries such as cuts and bruising. Baths, showers, stairs, and low balconies can be trip slip or trip hazards. Check that floors and paths are in good condition and free from trip hazards.
Also consider:
- If there are stairs, do they have an even tread?
- Can you lock the windows?
- Do any balconies have a safety rail?
- Does the bath have a non-slip surface?
Structural
A poorly maintained property may be at risk of collapsing. Falling tiles, loose windows and doors are possible hazards.
Check
- Does the roof look well maintained?
- Are there loose tiles?
- Are gutters absent or leaking?
