There are specific legal obligations and responsibilities on a landlord with regard to Fire safety for Furniture & Furnishings; Gas supply and appliances; plus Electrical wiring and appliances; these are more fully explained in the ARLA leaflet “Lets make it Safe”.

Gas Safety

http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/index.htm

Electrical Safety Council Guides

New Electrical Safety Guidelines have been issued by the Electrical Safety Council for common areas in developments.

Members who let or manage such property should make reference to this a being a definitive guide.
Leading safety charity, The Electrical Safety Council, launches new guide for landlords – FREE copies available now.

The Electrical Safety Council (ESC), in collaboration with the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) and a number of leading UK housing associations, has produced a guide to electrical safety in the communal areas of residential properties in England& Wales.

Building on the success of the Landlords Guide to Electrical Safety, this Guide is intended to address electrical safety in communal areas (areas accessible by staff, residents, and others visiting the property).

The Guide aims to raise awareness among residential landlords – including housing associations, local authorities, private landlords and property management companies – of their legal obligations relating to electrical safety and provides guidance and advice on areas such as stairwells, corridors and boiler rooms.