Renting out house steep steps in garden, accident liability?

[MElliottUK]

Hi,

Quick question, I have steep concrete steps in the garden leading to a raised section. I'm wanting to rent out the house.

If a tenant was to fall on these steep steps could I be liable for any personal injury claim of any kind?

Also the house has old gas radiators, can I rent it out with these in place or would I need to fit gas central heating?

Thanks

Matt

[Wings]

As with any employer, retailer etc. etc. you would have to carry out a risk assessment under the Health & Safety legislation, simply a photoluminous sign/s in place highlighting a possible risk, “Beware of hazard-steep steps”, photoluminous paint on one or two steps, even outside light/s might cover you under the legislation.

Yes you can rent with old gas radiators, rented as seen.

[davidjpowell]

Wings said:

As with any employer, retailer etc. etc. you would have to carry out a risk assessment under the Health & Safety legislation, simply a photoluminous sign/s in place highlighting a possible risk, “Beware of hazard-steep steps”, photoluminous paint on one or two steps, even outside light/s might cover you under the legislation.

Yes you can rent with old gas radiators, rented as seen.

Need a gas safety certificate though

[Beardy10]

I am not so sure you need to worry about it....if you really needed to do get signs etc I am sure you'd see many properties with warning signs. I live in an area where there are myriad Victorian/Edwardian properties with steps up to the front door.....many of those properties either are or have been rented. I have never seen a warning sign.

I'd put something in the lease to protect yourself if you're worried. Something along the lines that the tenants are responsible for their own safety etc. You won't rent the place if you've got warning signs.

[andy43]

While you're at it, make sure the tenant will be aware that...
The bath is slippery when wet.
Sometimes the oven will be hot.
The garden may have prickly things in it.
Electricity can kill.
And so can stupidity.
Claims Direct have a lot to answer for.

[MiniMan64]

People can apparently sue for anything these days.

Our postman got £14k off the previous owners of our flat for tripping over some obviously wobbly tiles on our front step.