Landlord Fire Safety

In the UK, landlords have specific legal obligations to ensure the fire safety of their rental properties.

 

These responsibilities are outlined in several pieces of legislation and regulations. Here are the key requirements:

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Fire Safety Regulations

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1) The Housing Act 2004: This act requires landlords to ensure that their properties are free from hazards, including fire risks. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used to assess these hazards.

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2) The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: This legislation applies to the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings, such as blocks of flats. Landlords must carry out fire risk assessments and take appropriate measures to minimize fire risks.

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3) Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: These regulations require landlords to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their rental property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used.

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Fire Safety Measures

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- Smoke Alarms

Install a smoke alarm on each storey of the property and test alarms at the start of each tenancy to ensure they are in working order.

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- Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance and test these alarms at the beginning of each new tenancy.

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- Fire Risk Assessments

Conduct a fire risk assessment for the property, particularly in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and blocks of flats. Identify potential fire hazards, assess the risks, and implement measures to reduce them.

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- Escape Routes

Ensure that all escape routes are accessible and free from obstructions. Provide clear instructions on what to do in case of a fire.

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- Fire Doors and Firefighting Equipment

Install fire doors where necessary to prevent the spread of fire. Provide appropriate firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, especially in HMOs.

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Additional Considerations

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• Furniture and Furnishings: Ensure that all furniture and furnishings provided comply with the fire resistance requirements set out in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

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• Gas Safety: Conduct annual gas safety checks and provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate.

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• Electrical Safety: Ensure that electrical installations are safe and regularly inspected, with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) provided to tenants.

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Fire Safety & Communal Area Policies

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It is important that you provide your tenants with the fire safety policy & evacuation procedures for the building and also provide them with the buildings communal area policy something which is often overlooked.

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In doing so you have provided your residents with all of the information they need and will also detail what role as a landlord you will take in relation to the fire safety of the premises.

We offer tiered fire & communal area policy implementation services in addition to our fire risk assessment service or stand alone that include the following:

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• Fire Safety Policy Writing pdf

• Fire Safety Policy & Communal Area Policy Writing pdf

• Above policy packages with delivery direct to your tenants

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*Includes all relevant information under The Fire Safety Regulations 2022 and Section 156 of The Building Safety Act.

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To view the 3 done for you policy plans we offer click here

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Let us take the hassle out of ensuring your fire safety policy includes the correct information for your building and that your tenants have received the relevant information.

 

 

​Penalties for Non-Compliance​

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Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and prohibition orders.

 

Local authorities have the power to enforce these regulations and can carry out inspections and take enforcement action if necessary & by adhering to these guidelines, landlords can help ensure the safety of their tenants and comply with UK fire safety laws.

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If you own a rental property including HMO's & blocks of flats, get in touch to see how we can assist you in ensuring your keep a safe & compliant premise.

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