Landlords urged to check white goods

Bowson Estates are advising Landlords to check white goods in the wake of the devastating blaze in London’s Grenfell Tower.

Police confirmed a Hotpoint FF175BP fridge freezer was the initial source of the blaze, and the government has ordered an immediate examination of the unit by technical experts to establish the cause.

The product, which was manufactured between 2006 and 2009, has not been subject to product recalls and this testing will establish whether any further action is required.

Consumers who believe they may own a Hotpoint fridge freezer model number FF175BP (white) or FF175BG (grey) should call Whirlpool Corporation’s freephone hotline on 0800 316 3826 or click here to register their details for further updates.

They said at this stage there is no specific reason for consumers to switch off their fridge freezer pending further investigation.

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said: “The safety of consumers is paramount. The device is being subject to immediate and rigorous testing to establish the cause of the fire. I have made clear to the company that I will expect them to replace any item without delay if it is established that there is a risk in using them.”

According to London Fire Brigade millions of faulty appliances could be in PRS homes across the UK.

We advise all landlords to check all appliances they provide to tenants to ensure they are not subject to a recall or in need of modification.

There are various recall websites, but registermyappliance.org.uk not only allows users to check their goods, but also allows them to register white goods and appliances, sending alerts of any recall or repairs programme.

The government’s own product recall website can be accessed here.

On its website Hotpoint says: “We have been made aware that the recent fire at Grenfell Tower in West London may have originated in a Hotpoint branded fridge freezer, manufactured between March 2006 and July 2009, model numbers FF175BP (white) and FF175BG (graphite).

“Please check your model and serial number, usually located on a sticker behind the salad container, or look for the model data label on your appliance.”

The company then advises those who own the fridge freezers to fill in an online form and tells them they can expect further updates from the manufacturer about the action it will take.

They are also told to follow standard safety advice, not overload plugs, ensure sockets are not damaged and check cables and leads are in good condition.

Business Minister Margot James has written to trade associations representing all major household appliance manufacturers outlining the Government’s expectation of action by their members should a household appliance be found to have played a part in the Grenfell Tower fire.

People with concerns about product safety can also call the Citizens Advice consumer service line on 03454 040506 or government helpline on 0300 1231016.