Residential landlords have a number of health and safety responsibilities to ensure their properties are a safe place for tenants to live. These are covered by the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The law is strict on fire safety breaches in rented accommodation. Earlier this month a landlord in Wolverhampton was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay over £8,000 court costs following a fire in his house in multiple-occupancy (HMO). He had failed to make a sufficient fire risk assessment and had not equipped the property with a fire alarm. Fire-fighters arriving at the blaze found people still sleeping in the building!
If you are a landlord there are a number of steps you can take to ensure the premises you let are fire safe. The high cost of fire damage means ensuring your tenants are safe makes commercial sense too.
Fire Risk Assessment
Depending on the size and use of your property, you may be asked by your local authority to perform a fire risk assessment of your building. This is to identify hazards and steps that need to be taken to ensure the property is fire safe.
Making a fire risk assessment is a good idea whether you are required to or not.
The fire assessment may require you to fit anything from fire doors, fire alarms and fire escapes to emergency lighting.
Fire Alarms & Extinguishers
Buildings erected after June 1992 must have mains operated inter-connected smoke alarms on every level of the property. Older properties are not obliged to comply but it is common sense to provide at least battery operated smoke alarms on every level.
Single occupancy residences are not required by law to provide fire extinguishers. Commonly however, landlords can be expected to at least provide a fire blanket and fire extinguisher in the kitchen and a multi-purpose extinguisher on each level.
Appliances
Gas and electrical appliances that are in poor condition and have not been installed correctly present a dangerous fire hazard.
You must make sure all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed and properly maintained by qualified persons.
Escape Routes & Evacuation
Think about providing an evacuation plan to your tenants and ensure all tenants have access to escape routes at all times. Ensure doors and locks are well maintained and exits are not blocked.
Furniture
If the property is furnished you must follow fire-resistant furniture regulations.
At Discount Fire Supplies landlords will find an impressive range of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment like emergency lighting for their properties.
Discount Fire Supplies sell a range of fire alarms, fire alarm accessories and much more. Browse our online shop or contact us for a quote today.
