Many property owners choose to convert houses into self-contained flats, helping to make the most of the available space and boost income. But as with any other type of landlord, landlords of converted houses must adhere to strict fire safety regulations to help protect the lives of the people who rent their properties. Maintaining fire safety should always be a priority, and there are many steps you can take to secure your building and protect against the damage and devastation that fires can cause.
This article will take a look at some of the fire safety standards for houses converted into self-contained flats, and what you can do to help protect your tenants.
The fire safety standards required for landlords are covered in numerous pieces of legislation. This includes the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, The Housing Act 2004, the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988, The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, and the Building Regulations 1991. The LACoRS Housing Fire Safety Guide has also been produced to help landlords maintain fire safety for certain types of housing, including houses converted into self-contained flats.
Complying with fire safety standards requires numerous measures to be put in place, as well as regular checks to ensure areas and equipment remain safe. Some of the things you will need to check to maintain fire safety include:
A fire risk assessment is a crucial part of maintaining fire safety in your property. Not only will they help you assess the possible fire risks associated with your property, but they can help identify the measures you need to put in place to protect against fires.
Fire risk assessments need to be carried out by a person with sufficient knowledge of fire safety. Some landlords undertake training to help them develop competency in this area, while others may choose to use an external fire safety expert to conduct risk assessments on their behalf.
phs Compliance provides fire safety risk assessments for businesses and landlords across the UK, helping you achieve compliance with law regulations, and giving you peace of mind that all aspects of fire safety within your property have been covered.
Landlords should ensure that there are suitable escape routes for tenants, allowing them to exit the building safely in the event of a fire. In a converted house, this is usually the main staircase of the property. These routes should be kept clear of hazards, and should be inspected regularly. Emergency lighting should also be provided for these escape routes.
Fire detection systems are vital in any property to help detect a fire at an early stage and give tenants the time to take action and escape. You should fit at least one smoke alarm on every floor of the property, and be tested on the first day of each tenancy and regularly after.
Carbon monoxide detection alarms should also be fitted in each room where a solid fuel-burning appliance is present.
Fire alarms should be tested once a week by either the landlord or the tenant, while alarm systems should be serviced at least annually to ensure they are compliant with BS 5839.
Fire resistance measures can help provide additional safety to people encountering a fire, helping to stop the spread of the fire to give people the chance to escape or for help to arrive.
Before building work commences to convert a property into self-contained flats, they must meet the guidance set out in the Building Regulations 1991. This includes the provision that entrance doors should provide at least 30 minutes of protection as designated fire doors. They should be self-closing and free from damage. Any doors that aren’t compliant with regulations need to be replaced urgently.
It’s important that your tenants are aware of the fire safety procedures in your property. They should be made aware of what to do in the event of a fire, and how to use any fire extinguishing tools you may have in the property. Having guidance and signage around the property can also help tenants feel confident in what to do in the event of a fire.
Maintaining fire safety in your properties will help you comply withall of the relevant fire safety standards and legislation, while putting the necessary protection in place for your tenants and your property. It’s important that you are confident in the measures needed and are able to conduct checks capably and confidently.
phs Compliance specialises in compliance services that can help landlords safeguard their tenants from fires. From fire risk assessments to the fitting of fire detection and alarm systems, we provide the services you need to help you manage your converted property safely.
For more information about our services or to see how we can help you improve your fire safety, contact phs Compliance today.
To learn more about our what Compliance offers, to get a quote, or simply to ask a query, please feel free to contact us now!
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