If you let furnished accommodation all furniture you provide must be fire resistant. The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furnishings. These regulations are enforced by Trading Standards Officers from Kent County Council.
Upholstered furniture filled with polyurethane foam tends to burn quickly and gives off large amounts of smoke and poisonous fumes.
Older or second-hand furniture may only be used if it has the appropriate label showing that it is cigarette and match-resistant.
The regulations apply to:
- Beds, mattresses, headboards and pillows
- Sofa beds, futons, scatter cushions and seat pads
- Loose and stretch covers for furniture
The Regulations do not apply to:
- Sleeping bags or loose covers for mattresses
- Bed clothes, duvets and pillow cases
- Carpets and curtains
New furniture that complies with the regulations is sold with a permanent label stating that it is cigarette and match-resistant. Landlords should ensure that they do not let accommodation with furniture that is not fire resistant.