Whether you are a landlord in London or Paris, you need to ensure that you follow the mandatory Fire Safety Regulations for your building. Fire safety is one of any landlord’s biggest concerns or responsibilities.
Firemark states fires are seven times more likely to happen to those living in rented or shared accommodations. Therefore, as a landlord, you must ensure your building follows the fire safety regulations in your area.
Failing to do so can easily lead to devastating consequences. This article will give you a simplified rundown of the regulations you must follow and the areas you should focus on. In addition, we will go over the common causes of fire and recent changes made to the regulation.
Fire Safety Regulations For Landlords In London
Depending on which area your building is in, you will have to follow different fire safety regulations for Landlords in London. However, there are certain regulations that every landlord in London must follow. So here are the general fire safety regulations for landlords in London:
- Every story of a building must have one smoke alarm. Without them, you are eight times more likely to die in a fire.
- Any building that has a solid fuel-burning appliance must have a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Frequent checks must be done to ensure clear and accessible escape routes.
- Furniture and furnishings in the building should be fire-resistant and have clear safety regulations.
- A fire risk assessment must be performed once every two years or more frequently if the building is older or larger.
As we said these are just some of the more general fire safety regulations that must be followed. The area your building is in will have more comprehensive and specific regulations that must be followed.
Fire Prevention Measures
According to the UK government, around 37% of fires happened due to accidents; some could have been prevented with proper measures. To ensure that your building is safe you should implement the proper fire prevention measures. Here are some general measures:
- Fire Risk Assessment: Fire Risk Assessments should be conducted on schedule to ensure all parts of the domestic building are safe from fires.
- Smoke Alarms: The first and most important thing to do is to install quality smoke alarms. Early warning of fire can and does help everyone and keep them safe.
- Fire Extinguishers: With early warning, your tenants can likely stop the fire from spreading. To do so, they will need fire extinguishers that are up to date.
- Kitchen Safety: Residential buildings should hold training and seminars in identifying and preventing common kitchen fires. The UK government said that 14% of building fires happen because of cooking.
- Clear Exit Routes: All residential and commercial buildings need clean and well-lit escape routes. Hold regular drills to let the occupants know what to do and where to go.
Electrical Safety Regulations For Landlords In London
Out of all the fire claims in the UK, more than 28% are said to have happened because of electrical issues. As such, electrical safety regulations must be followed in the letter to ensure your building occupants are safe. Here are some steps you can implement:
- Electrical Installation Inspection: Your buildings’ electrical installations need to be inspected and tested. We recommend Commercial EICR and domestic EICR depending on your building’s use every five years or earlier.
- Certified Appliances: You should only supply appliances that have the British Safety Standard logo.
- Share Report: Your occupants and tenants should have a copy of the electrical safety report when they move in.
- Instructions: Tenants should be instructed on safe and proper electrical equipment use.
- Arrange PAT Checks: While only recommended smaller, portable electrical appliances must have Portable Appliance Testing done for safety.
Gas Safety Regulations For Landlords In London
Gas fires are closely connected with cooking fires, and the UK government states that 14% of fire claims are connected to them. To follow the fire safety regulations for landlords in London regarding gas you should follow these steps:
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms: The best practice to prevent gas fires is carbon monoxide alarms. These must be installed in rooms with gas appliances.
- Annual Gas Safety Checks: Landlords need to have annual gas safety checks done by professionals. The gas safety certificate shows that your building is safe from potential gas-related fires.
- Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation can easily reduce any chances of gas fires because it stops the gas from building up. Less build-up of carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses means safer building.
- Regular Maintenance: Tenants and landlords must know to report any unusual smells from gas appliances. These appliances must be immediately checked, repaired, or replaced.
Common Causes of Fires and Fire Safety Risks
Knowing how and why a fire happened in a building is practically half the battle. With this information, you can ensure your building is safer in the future. We have collected the percentage of fires caused in London over the last five years.
Accident (37%)
Accidental fires are the leading cause of fire incidents, accounting for 37% of all cases. These fires often result from careless behavior or unintentional actions, such as leaving cooking unattended, knocking over candles, or mishandling flammable materials. Accidents can occur in both residential and commercial settings and may involve various factors contributing to the ignition of fires. Prevention measures include practicing caution, following safety guidelines, and being mindful of potential fire hazards in the environment.
Electrical (28%)
Electrical malfunctions are responsible for approximately 28% of fires. These incidents typically occur due to faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged electrical appliances. Overheating and short circuits can lead to sparks or ignition, especially in older buildings with outdated electrical systems. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and avoiding overloading outlets are essential for preventing electrical fires. Additionally, using surge protectors and promptly addressing any signs of electrical issues can mitigate risks.
Cooking, Gas, Arson (14%)
Fires related to cooking, gas leaks, or arson collectively account for 14% of fire incidents. Cooking accidents, such as leaving pots unattended or grease fires, are common causes of residential fires. Gas leaks pose a significant risk, leading to explosions or fires if not detected and addressed promptly. Arson, intentionally setting fires, is a criminal act that can result in many things like injuries, property damage, and loss of life. Implementing safety measures, such as installing smoke alarms, maintaining gas appliances, and promoting community awareness, can help mitigate these risks.
Cigarettes (7%)
Smoking-related fires contribute to approximately 7% of fire incidents. Improper disposal of cigarettes, such as tossing them into trash bins or outdoor foliage, can ignite fires in homes, buildings, or outdoor areas. Smoking indoors, especially in bed or while intoxicated, increases the likelihood of accidental fires. Providing designated smoking areas with proper disposal receptacles and educating individuals about responsible smoking practices can help reduce the risk of cigarette-related fires.
Unknown (3%)
A small percentage of fires, approximately 3%, have unknown causes. These incidents may occur in circumstances where the cause of ignition cannot be determined conclusively. Factors such as inadequate fire investigation, limited evidence, or the rapid spread of fire may contribute to the classification of fires as unknown. Enhancing fire investigation techniques, improving data collection methods, and promoting fire safety education can help reduce the prevalence of unknown fire causes.
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Protecting Tenants and Property in London
Recent Changes in Fire Safety Regulations
From October 1, 2023, changes to the fire safety regulations took effect. These changes were brought to be in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. Here are highlights of the new changes:
- Documenting: Responsible Persons (RPs) must now record all findings from scheduled fire risk assessments and new fire safety arrangements.
- Cooperation: It aims to improve and encourage more collaboration and coordination between RPs.
- Enforcement: It simplifies the process through which enforcement authorities take action on non-compliance.
- Fines: Increased the fine levels for certain offenses.
- High-rise flats: Developers now need additional approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) during the construction and refurbishment of high-rise blocks.
Conclusion
Fire isn’t something that can be brushed over or neglected. Landlords in London must keep up to date with the latest regulations and follow them accordingly. Failure to do so can and will result in devastating consequences. The fire safety regulations for landlords in London do more than just make the buildings safer. With the recent uptick in fires in London buildings, it has become imperative that the regulations are followed and inspections are done by professionals. Lives are at stake, so London landlords must become more responsible to protect them.
Read More: How to Check Fire Safety
