Landlords and Blind Cord Safety – Understanding Your Responsibilities

Child Safety and Rental Properties

Window blind safety has been a serious issue in the UK for many years. Cords and chains on blinds can present a strangulation risk, particularly to young children. Since 2014, strict safety standards have applied to the manufacture and installation of internal window blinds.

For landlords, this is not just best practice — it forms part of your wider duty of care to tenants.

What the Law Says

Since February 2014, blinds supplied and fitted in the UK must comply with BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014. This standard requires that looped cords and chains are either eliminated or made safe through approved safety devices.

Trading Standards guidance makes clear that landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental properties are free from health hazards — and this includes potentially dangerous blind cords.

• ✔ Blinds installed after 2014 must comply with child safety regulations
• ✔ Older blinds must be made as safe as reasonably practicable
• ✔ Responsibility applies regardless of whether children currently live in the property
• ✔ Applies to houses, flats, HMOs, holiday lets and caravans

Landlord Duty of Care

Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain safe living environments. While blind cords may seem minor, they are considered a recognised domestic hazard.

Even where blinds were installed by a previous landlord or by a tenant, it remains the landlord’s responsibility to ensure they do not present a safety risk.

Regular inspections should include checking:

• ✔ Tension devices are fitted and secure
• ✔ Cleats are installed at the correct height
• ✔ Cords are not accessible to children
• ✔ Damaged or missing safety components are replaced

Common Issues Found in Rental Properties

In our experience, many rental properties still contain blinds fitted before 2014, or blinds installed by tenants without proper safety devices.

Typical problems include:

• Loose or missing cord cleats
• Broken tensioning devices
• Looped chains hanging freely
• DIY-installed blinds with no safety compliance
• Windows that double as fire escape routes obstructed by unsuitable coverings

While some issues can be resolved by fitting compliant safety components, others may require replacement.

Why Regular Checks Matter

Blind safety devices can loosen over time. Tenants may remove cleats or tensioners during redecoration. Replacement blinds may not meet UK safety standards.

A simple visual check during routine inspections can prevent serious risk and protect both tenants and landlords.

Child-Safe by Design Alternatives

Where blinds need replacing, many modern systems are now designed to be child-safe without additional devices.

• ✔ Wand-operated vertical blinds
• ✔ Tensioned pleated blinds
• ✔ Motorised blinds with no cords
• ✔ Plantation shutters

These options eliminate the need for looped cords entirely.

Taking the Sensible Next Step

For landlords managing multiple properties — or simply wanting peace of mind — a professional safety review can provide clarity.

Rather than guessing whether blinds are compliant, a structured inspection ensures you understand exactly what is safe, what needs attention, and what action (if any) is required.

If you would like guidance on ensuring your rental property meets current blind safety expectations, we offer a straightforward landlord inspection service designed specifically for this purpose.

Professional Window Covering Safety Checks for Rental Properties

Landlords have a legal duty of care to ensure their rental properties are safe for tenants — including the safety of window coverings.
Loose cords, chains, or non-compliant blinds can present a serious risk, particularly to young children.

Our Landlord Blind & Child Safety Inspection Service provides clear, practical guidance to help you meet your responsibilities with confidence.
Whether you need informal advice or a documented inspection report, we offer straightforward options to suit your needs.

• ✔ On-site blind and shutter safety review
• ✔ Clear advice on compliance with current child safety standards
• ✔ Identification of hazardous cords, chains or unsafe fittings
• ✔ Guidance on remedial action where required
• ✔ Optional written inspection report for your records

Why This Matters for Landlords

Since 2014, blinds supplied and installed in the UK must comply with BS EN 13120 child safety requirements.
However, many rental properties still contain older blinds or tenant-installed window coverings that may not meet current guidance.

Landlords remain responsible for ensuring that all blinds with cords or chains are made safe — even where no children currently live in the property.

• ✔ Duty of care under landlord responsibilities
• ✔ Applies to all residential rental properties
• ✔ Includes blinds installed by previous landlords or tenants
• ✔ Reduces liability risk and protects tenant safety

Service Options & Pricing

Option 1 – On-Site Safety Walkthrough

£79 per property

Ideal if you would like professional guidance without formal documentation.
We will walk the property with you, inspect each window covering, and clearly explain what is compliant and what requires attention.

• ✔ Practical on-site assessment
• ✔ Verbal compliance guidance
• ✔ Identification of unsafe cords or chains
• ✔ Advice on upgrades or remedial solutions

This option is particularly useful for landlords conducting routine property checks.

Option 2 – Full Inspection with Written Report

£119 per property

For landlords who require documented confirmation of safety status, we provide a written inspection report outlining findings and recommended actions.

• ✔ Full property inspection
• ✔ Written safety report for your records
• ✔ Clear identification of compliant and non-compliant blinds
• ✔ Recommended corrective measures where required

This option is suitable for portfolio landlords, letting agents, or situations where written evidence is required for compliance records.

What We Inspect

During the inspection, we assess:

• ✔ Presence of looped cords or chains
• ✔ Correct positioning of tension devices and cleats
• ✔ Secure fixing of safety components
• ✔ Suitability of blinds for the window type
• ✔ Risk of obstruction to emergency egress windows
• ✔ Overall condition and wear

Where necessary, we can advise on child-safe alternatives including wand-operated vertical blinds, tensioned pleated blinds, motorised blinds, or shutters.

Suitable for All Rental Environments

This service applies to:

• ✔ Houses and flats
• ✔ Holiday lets and serviced accommodation
• ✔ HMOs
• ✔ Let properties undergoing refurbishment

Professional, Independent Advice

With over 15 years’ experience supplying and installing blinds and shutters, we understand the practical realities landlords face.
Our goal is simple: to help you ensure your properties are safe, compliant, and professionally maintained.

There is no obligation to purchase new blinds — we will always recommend the most appropriate and proportionate solution.

Book a Landlord Safety Inspection

To arrange a blind and child safety inspection for your rental property, contact our team today.
We’ll help you choose the appropriate inspection option and schedule a convenient visit.

• ✔ Clear pricing
• ✔ Professional guidance
• ✔ Practical, proportionate solutions