Landlords have responsibility to ensure appropriate fire precautions in houses in multiple occupation.  This responsibility comes from two pieces of legislation.  The Housing Act 2004 is enforced by the Council and the Fire Safety Order 2005 is enforced by Avon Fire and Rescue.

Housing Act 2004

The Housing Health and Safety Rating system is the legislation relating to housing conditions.  This is not a standard but a set of hazards which may be at a property.  One such hazard is fire.  There is a risk assessment based approach to ensure properties are safe from fire.  If the hazard is very serious then the Council has the duty to ensure the property is made safe for the tenants and could serve a notice requiring works. 

There are also Management Regulations which place a duty on the landlord to ensure any fire precaution equipment is kept in good working order.

The Housing Standards team has an inspection program to ensure houses in multiple occupation are safe for tenants.

Fire Safety Order 2005

This Order places a responsibility on the landlord to ensure a risk assessment is undertaken and appropriate fire precautions are in place with regard to the common parts of houses in multiple occupation.  Please note this does not apply to shared houses but applies to common areas of building containing flats or bedsits.  Further information is available from Avon Fire and Rescue on 0117 926 2061.

National Fire Safety guidance

In August 2008 new national guidance was issued which, if the guidance is followed, will ensure fire precautions in properties meet both pieces of legislation.

This national guidance is available from the related documents section.  You can also contact LACORS on 0202 7665 3888 to request an order form.  

This guidance has been written to ensure landlords can undertake risk assessments.

HMO Licensing Standards

If your property is a licensable property the property must meet the minimum licensing standards.  The standards have been updated to ensure they are in line with the new national guidance.

I am a landlord, is there any further advice available?

The national guidance is aimed at landlords.  However, the Housing standards team are happy to give advice and if necessary visit the property. 

For advice on upgrading fire doors please contact the Housing Standards team

If your building is listed, it is important to contact the Built Heritage team to ensure any consent for works is correctly applied for before beginning works.

I am a tenant and am concerned there are no fire precautions in my property – what can I do?

If you are concerned about the condition of your property please call the Housing Standards team on 01225 396269.  We will come and visit your property and carry out an assessment in line with the Housing Health and Safety rating system. If the property has serious hazards, the team will contact your landlord to request works are completed.