Fire safety is a top priority for landlords as this will not only keep the property safe, but it will also ensure that the home is fully compliant.
Landlords who fail to supply a property that follows guidelines could be sued for personal injury or damage, a hefty fine could be levied or the landlord could get convicted.
Keeping homes safe from fire hazards will keep a landlord’s investment and, more importantly, their tenants protected.
Here, we outline what safety precautions need to be taken to safeguard your home from fires.
Gas safety checks and fire risk assessments
Gas safety checks must be conducted every 12 months on every gas appliance and flue. This is to ensure that gas fittings and appliances are safe to use. During these checks, a Gas Safe registered engineer inspects gas equipment to see if it is safely installed and maintained.
These checks are necessary to prevent fires as gas is flammable and if there is a gas leak a fire or explosion could occur.
Fire risk assessments identify possible causes of fires, highlight potential hazards, and outline the precautions the landlord should take. Ideally, these should be reviewed every 12 months and they must be redone every four years.
Keep a clear record
If there is a fire and you have not provided a safe home, legal action can be taken against you.
It is crucial that landlords keep documents regarding fire safety checks. This is evidence that you have fulfilled your safety obligations, allowing you to protect yourself and your property.
A record of the annual gas safety check must be provided to your tenant within 28 days of the check being done or to new tenants before they move in. Copies of the gas safety records must be kept for two years. This is a legal requirement and acts as proof.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
In 2018-2019, the most common cause of death in fire-related incidents was gas and smoke, proving the importance of supplying homes with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that work.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 outlines that one smoke alarm must operate on each storey of the building where there is a room used as living accommodation.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be in any room with a fixed combustion appliance. These must be repaired or replaced once it is established that they are faulty.
Fire-safe furniture and furnishings
Landlords providing furnished homes must be aware of the risk some furniture and furnishings pose to tenant safety in the event of a fire. By checking the labels have fire safety symbols and are made from fire-resistant materials, you can ensure your tenants are kept safe.
Landlords must be aware that mattresses, pillows, cushions, and bed covers are exempt from meeting these standards. Furniture owned by the tenant is not the landlord’s responsibility.
During this festive time of year, there are an increased number of hazards in homes. Poor installations combined with Christmas lights, decorations, and indoor fires could prove to be hazardous.
To avoid loss of income from damage and putting tenants in danger, make sure that you put fire safety first.
You need to work with an experienced, reputable letting agent. Here at Kings Group, we can help you to remain compliant and get the most from your tenancies.
For more information on how we can assist you on your letting journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today.
We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much you could be charging in rent.
