The Home office has announced new measures to improve fire safety in HMO’s and blocks. These measures could see Landlords and Agents facing unlimited fines for non-compliance.
The new regulations have resulted from a Fire Safety Consultation. However, they will only apply to HMO’s and multiple tenancy premises. They will not apply to domestic properties.
It is believed the regulations will come into force in 2022 as part of Building Safety Legislation.
The regulations will require each building and HMO property to have a fire risk assessment and also detail how that information is recorded throughout the lifetime of the building.
Fire Minister Lord Greenhalgh says: “Everyone should be safe in the buildings where they live, stay or work.
“Our new measures will improve fire safety and help save lives but will also take firm action against those who fail in their duty to keep people safe.”
And Roy Wilsher, National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, adds: “We want to see safer buildings for residents and are committed to working constructively with the Home Office and other partners on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations and other key fire safety policy areas.”
The government has said the new measures will:
· improve the quality of fire risk assessments and competence of those who complete them.
· ensure vital fire safety information is preserved over the lifespan of all regulated buildings.
· improve cooperation and coordination amongst people responsible for fire safety and making it easier to identify who they are.
· strengthen enforcement action, with anyone impersonating or obstructing a fire inspector facing unlimited fines.
· strengthen guidance issued under the Fire Safety Order so that failure to follow it may be considered in court proceedings as evidence of a breach or of compliance.
· improve the engagement between Building Control Bodies and Fire Authorities in reviewing plans for building work.
· require all new flats above 11 metres tall to install premises information boxes.
With the potential for unlimited fines any HMO or Block Landlord should ensure they take action to ensure compliance.
If you have a large property or HMO but with all the uncertainty in the market, potential licensing issues and ever-increasing regulations, you are considering your options, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We specialise in these types of properties and can help you to evaluate your options.
Call 0161 850 5588 or email info@armisteadproperty.co.uk
Thanks for reading
Peter Armistead
Founder, Armistead Property
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