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Housing
Statistics show that people who live in rented accommodation have a
greater chance of having a fire. The issues that relate to
vulnerable persons apply equally to tenants but in addition if
renting your home - or if you are the landlord - you should be
aware of the following:
Under the Housing Act 1985, landlords must make sure there are
adequate escape routes.
Depending upon the size of the property it may also be necessary to
fit smoke alarms and provide fire extinguishers.
To ensure a good standard of fire safety the landlord should implement an annual programme of maintenance to include:
- Checks of electrical wiring within the property
- Checks of sockets, switches, light fittings etc.
- Regular maintenance of gas heaters and appliances
- Chimneys/flues cleaned and checked regularly
Additionally, any multi-occupancy house should be registered with the local authority.
Electrical, gas & furniture safety
By law, a landlord must:
- Make sure that all gas appliances they provide are maintained in a good order and that a Corgi-registered plumber carries out a safety check every year.
- Maintain all electrical installations (fixed wiring etc) and any electrical appliances they provide (cookers, kettles etc) and make sure they are safe to use.
- Make sure any furniture and furnishings provided meet the fire resistance regulations.
The Local Authority Environmental Health Office will be able to offer further advice.
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