Repairing Standard: statutory guidance for private landlords

Annex F: Furnishings provided by the landlord

F.1 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 section 13(1)(e) requires that any furnishings provided by the landlord under the tenancy are capable of being used safely for the purpose for which they are designed.

F.2 Landlords are not required to provide furnishings but when determining whether the privately rented house meets the standard of repair required by section 13(1)(e) the landlord must ensure any furnishings they provide are safe to use for the intended purpose.

F.3 Upholstered furniture provided as part of the rented property, by the owner, must meet fire safety standards set out in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. This requires:

• All furniture and equipment must be manufactured from fire resistant materials, or be treated with fire retardant coatings from the manufacturer;
• All items must have one permanent manufacturer’s label, which cannot be removed, and which gives information on the materials used to make the item;
• Any upholstered items must have a filling which is fire resistant. All furnishings must pass the cigarette and match tests set out in schedules 4 and 5 of the Regulations; and
• Mattresses and bed bases must have a label that shows that they meet BS7177.

F.4 There is an exception under the Regulations for furniture or antiques which were made before 1950.