Private Rented Accommodation - Safety and Security

This section contains important information which will help protect you from potential hazards in the home and the surrounding environment.

Electrical Equipment

Accidents with electricity are quite rare but care still needs to be taken.

Beware of loose or shabby wiring

If there are any badly wired electrics around your home do not use it. Notify your landlord immediately. If he/she refuses contact the local council (Environmental Health.)

Do not overload sockets

This is a common cause of accidents and fires; if you need extra socket space you should only use a fused extension block (the ones with a row of sockets and a red light)

Use the right fuse for the job

Never use a fuse with a higher rating than that recommended for the appliance - not even as a temporary measure.

Do not take on more than you can handle

Never embark on any electrical work unless you know what you are doing. Do not be embarrassed to ask for qualified assistance.

Environmental Health Issues

The Housing Act 1985 requires all accommodation to be maintained to a reasonable standard and be fit for occupation. If you encounter any of the following problems it is likely that your property does not meet these minimum standards:

• leaking roof or gutters
• rotting door or window frames
• dampness
• dangerous gas or electric supplies and appliances
• no inside bathroom or toilet
• no hot or cold running water
• pests
• noise  

If you do experience problems such as these, first notify the owner/agent in writing asking for immediate action/repair. If, after a reasonable time, the problem has not been remedied, contact the Private Sector Housing Team, Environment and Development Department at the local council offices where you can obtain relevant advice.

Fire Hazards

This basic advice is to help you avoid common fire risks.

Heaters and Fires

• Never leave a heater or fire on while you are out of your room for any length of time.
• Keep clothes, books, paper etc away from heaters.
• Never dry clothes in front of a fire or heater; this is one of the most common causes of fires.  

Open Fires

Special care needs to be taken if you have an open fire.

• Check that the chimney has been swept within the last 12 months.
• Do not use petrol, paraffin or any other flammable liquid to light the fire.
• Use a fire guard when leaving the fire unattended.  

Cooking

Many domestic fires start in the kitchen usually because of carelessness or forgetfulness.

• Never leave cooking unattended, especially if you are frying something and remember to switch everything off when you have finished.
• Keep your cooker clean. A build-up of grease and food debris, especially in grill pans is a considerable fire hazard.
• Make sure you understand how to use your microwave; overcooking can lead to food catching fire.  

Smoking, candles and related paraphernalia

Extra care needs to be taken with all naked flames.

• Thoroughly extinguish all lighted material. Use an ashtray and never put cigarette ends into waste bins containing paper.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Candles, scented oil burners and joss/incense sticks are very popular, but extra care needs to be taken with them. Never leave a burning candles unattended.
• Place candles in suitable containers which cannot fall over easily, and place well away from curtains, furniture and draughts.  

Fire Exits

It is important to have adequate and alternative means of escape in the event of a fire. Avoid cluttering any passageways or blocking the front door with heavy furniture.

Fire Safety

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 apply to all rented properties. Owners of houses appearing on the DMU Student housing lists have provided a written undertaking that all furniture and furnishings comply with these regulations. It is still sensible to check that the furniture and furnishings are labelled as fire resistant. If you can’t find a label ask the landlord how he/she knows the furniture complies with the legislation.

If a fire actually happens the following advice may help you avoid injury and damage to your property.

• If you feel confident tackle the fire with any available fire-fighting equipment but do not, under any circumstances, put yourself at risk.
• If you can get yourself and everyone else out of the house, closing all doors behind you. Don’t go back for any of your belongings.
• Phone 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
• Stay out, until advised by the Fire Service it is safe to return.  

Fire Safety Equipment

Your new home may be equipped with some fire equipment, but if it not, it is worth spending £10 on a simple but important precaution such as a smoke alarm.

For your own and your house-mates' safety, treat all fire equipment with respect.

• Smoke alarms - if you have got smoke alarms ensure that they are free from dust and that their batteries are charged.
   
• Fire extinguishers - if you have a fire extinguisher, find out how to use it and what type of fires it is intended for. Don’t set it off for a joke– it makes a terrible mess, they are not cheap to refill and you never know when you might need it!
   
• Fire blankets - these can be really effective if you make sure you know how to use them properly.
   
• Doors - even an ordinary closed door can slow down the spread of a fire, giving you extra time in which to escape. Close all doors especially before you go to bed.  

Gas Safety

There are two risks associated with faulty gas appliances, leaking gas and carbon monoxide poisoning.

A gas leak should be detectable by the distinct smell of gas. If you suspect a gas leak turn off the gas at the mains, and do not turn on any lights or use naked flames.

Contact National Grid TRANSCO (the Gas Board) immediately. The emergency free phone number is 0800 111 999.

Carbon monoxide is HIGHLY POISONOUS and it is hard to detect as it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Any appliance that burns gas, coal or oil emits carbon monoxide. Effective ventilation and regular servicing can reduce risks considerably.

Insist on a gas safety certificate

It is a landlord’s legal responsibility to have all gas appliances checked for safety by a CORGI registered technician. The Housing Office only lists properties after seeing the current gas safety certificate. Your landlord is also legally required to provide tenants with a copy of the certificate. Be sure and ask for this.

Ensure adequate ventilation

Gas appliances need air to burn safely. If there is too little air or the vent, chimney, or flue is blocked or obstructed, carbon monoxide may not be able to escape.

Look out for warning signs

These include stains, soot or discolouring around a fire, the flame on a gas fire or heater burning yellow or orange and a strange or unusual smell when the appliance is on.

Be aware of the 4 main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• unexplained headaches
• sleepiness
• streaming eyes and
• general lethargy.  

(These can easily be confused with other ailments (e.g. flu or a hangover) If anyone in your house has any of the above symptoms after using a gas appliance they should consult their doctor.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak – stop using the appliance immediately.

Contact National Grid TRANSCO on 0800 111 999 (24 hrs)

Contact your landlord who has a responsibility for your safety. If he/she does not put the problem right within a reasonable time seek advice.

If Transco disconnect the appliance it is your landlord’s responsibility to provide emergency heating.

Security

Wherever you live it is important for you to be safety and security aware.

In your home consider the following:

• Key operated locks should be fitted to all ground floor windows and those near to flat roofs and drain pipes.
   
• Doors should be fitted with five lever mortise locks that conform to BS 3621. Solid doors are preferable. Bolts fitted to the top and bottom of doors will help prevent doors being forced.
   
• Back yards and side paths should be fitted with gates.
   
• Outside lighting, automatic time switches to control inside lights and burglar alarms all help to improve security.
   
• Make a list and description of all your property including the serial number. Stereo equipment, cameras, computers etc. can be invisibly marked with your postcode using an ultraviolet marker pen.
   
• Most thefts are opportunistic. Lock all your doors and windows even if out just for a short time.
   
• Your house may be particularly vulnerable during vacation periods if it is left empty. Remove the ‘use the back door ‘ sign and anything else that may indicate a ‘student house’ and consider taking valuables home.  

Personal Safety

Being safe is about being in control and this means thinking about what you are doing and trusting your instincts. Students are no more or less likely to be victims of crime than anyone else. There are certain situations where we all need to be aware of potential risks.

Money

• Using cash machines – if you can go in daylight, with a friend, and be aware of anyone hanging around. Avoid withdrawing large amounts and checking it in public.
• Do not tell anyone else you PIN number or write it down anywhere.
• Keep your cheque card and cheque book separate.
• Never leave your bag, wallet or purse unattended.
• Do not let anyone else use your cash card however much you think you can trust them.  

Mobile phones

Most of us now have a mobile phone and mobile phone muggings have become a relatively high potential risk.

Keep your phone out of sight, and set the phone to discreet. Before answering, look around to see if anyone is watching you. Consider using a phone case to disguise the phone’s identity, and set up a PIN/security code.

Keep a record of all your phone numbers – just in case!

Getting around

The first rule is that until you get to know an area really well, take extra care about where you go and how you get there and back.

You will be safer if you go out as part of a group. Otherwise always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Plan how you will get home at the end of an evening. Keep a note of a trustworthy taxi firm and an emergency contact. Keep these in a pocket with your keys and some money – just in case you can’t use your mobile. Don’t accept lifts from strangers.

If you have a car, keep the doors locked and bags and valuables out of sight. Park in well lit areas, lock your car and check it when you return to it.

Insurance

It’s sensible to ensure that your possessions are insured. You can take out your own policy or your parents may be able to extend their policy.

Further advice and information can be found on personal safety and crime prevention can be found at The Suzi Lamplugh Trust or on the Government's Crime Reduction website.

Tips | Contracts | Moving In | Responsibilities | Community | Safety | Housing List | 
Housing Agencies | Useful Contacts | Rubbish News   (pdf)