Tenent, is it law to have a handrail?

clutton_2

if the LL wont - then which is more important - a technical breach of contract or your child's safety ?

tbs624

clutton wrote: »

if the LL wont - then which is more important - a technical breach of contract or your child's safety ?

I know what you're saying Clutton but as it doesn't sound like the OP has broached the topic yet with the LL, it's probably best to go down the route of asking the LL in a polite letter, just mentioning the possible insurance implications.

If it gets fitted by the LL (even with the Tenant making a contribution - not that I view that as necessary) then the safety liabilities regarding the installation remain with the LL.

I'm surprised that a LL let a property without a handrail to anyone who is pregnant or has a young child, but I'm also surprised that the Tenant herself didn't note it when she first moved in, as someone else has already said. How many LLs would turn down an appropriate new Tenant if she said " I'd love to move in but before I can I just need you to put a handrail in"? It's that old communication thing again......;)

clutton_2

tbs624 says ""it's probably best to go down the route of asking the LL in a polite letter""

you took the words right out of my mouth ........


"just send him a short friendly note today - asking him to install a handrail as soon as possible as you have fallen several times already and you dont want to further hurt your self or your child"

"" I'd love to move in but before I can I just need you to put a handrail in"? "

and i can well understand a single parent mum thinking "i wont get this house if i kick up a fuss even before i more in " - catch 22 mate catch 22 .....

Gorgeous_George

£12 buys 10 of these.

Add a piece of wood from local DIY store and the problem is solved. LL - SORT IT OUT.

GG

clutton_2

GG - not everyone is a DIY person - in any case this is the LL's responsibility

lil_me

clutton wrote: »

i am actually gob-smacked that ANY landlord can rent a house out without a handrail ..... madness...........

Suppose mine is madness then, no hand rail and glass along one side of the staircase, I think it was originally open plan with an open staircase (I can see where the wall was changed) and has had glass panels put in to divide it up.

I was considering contacting the LL asking if we can fit one, don't think she would argue it

clutton_2

is it safety glass ?

lil_me

I don't think so, no markings on it saying it is, it's yellow and patterned, kind of gastly really, it was also in some very old doors in the property which were taken out before we moved in.

Must say going by what you have said in various threads clutton you do appear to be a good landlord.

BobProperty

I've read through this and have a few comments. First the question no-one has yet asked: Why have you fallen on the stairs so many times?
Next, the legal aspect. Building Regulations don't apply retrospectively, so if the place was built without a handrail then you can't force the owner to put one there on that basis. However, as TJ27 pointed out, the landlord is now in the situation of having to "risk assess" the property with regard to the safety of the tenant. On that basis I think you would have grounds for requiring one. I would also be concerned that the stair carpet is adequately attached and isn't a contributing factor.
Personally, I'm with GG on this. If it was my property and the tenant asked me for a handrail because they'd slipped on the stairs a couple of times, I'd just go round there and install one.

macaque_2

beggy13 wrote: »

Hi
This may sound stupid but i've fallen down the stairs 3 times in the last few months and it's getting a bit boring!!!

http://www.cannyscot.com/CurrentOld2004.htm

I would stay on the ground floor if I were you.