Furniture and furnishings

The Government have introduced a number of pieces of legislation to control the level of fire resistance in domestic furniture and furnishings. The most important area for Landlords and their agents is the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, under section 11 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

These regulations cover all those associated with furniture and furnishings, from importing and manufacture to retailing and hiring. Hire includes the situation where furniture and furnishing are let as part of a residential letting. So those landlords and agents letting to students must conform with the Regulations.

Products covered by the Regulations

  • Furniture (including children's)

  • Beds, headboards and mattresses

  • Sofa beds and futons

  • Nursery furniture

  • Garden furniture which could be used internally

  • Cushions

  • Seat pads

  • Pillows

  • Loose and stretch covers for furniture

Products not covered

  • Sleeping bags

  • Bedclothes and duvets

  • Loose covers for mattresses

  • Pillowcases

  • Curtains

  • Carpets

The only exemption likely to be relevant to Landlords/Agents is that the Regulations do not apply to furniture made before 1950 and the re-upholstery of furniture made before that date.

Two dates are particularly relevant

  • From 1 March 1993

    • All furniture (new and second hand) as defined above must meet all the Fire Resistance Requirements in accommodation let for the first time

    • All replacement or additional furniture (new and second hand) must meet all the Fire Resistance Requirements.

  • From 1 January 1997

    • ALL furniture must meet the requirements ie existing furniture in new and current lettings.

Which furniture meets the Fire Resistance Requirements?

Display labels should be attached to all furniture meeting the requirements stating the "the product meets the necessary requirements of the 1988 Safety Regulations."

Further information

This document is not meant as an exhaustive guide to the legislation and The Land Agent's and Accommodation Office would strongly recommend that you obtain additional information if you are likely to be affected and do not rely on this paper alone.

Further information can be obtained from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), formally DTI, which publishes "A Guide to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations". To download the .pdf file click here http://www.bis.gov.uk/files/file24685.pdf