People living in rented or shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire than someone living in a home they own.
Landlords’ obligations
If you live in privately rented accommodation, your landlord has to meet certain safety obligations under the law. This includes making sure all gas and electric appliances are safe and in good working order.
- Gas appliances must be checked by a Gas Safe registered gas fitter every year.
- Electrical appliances must carry the British Safety Standard sign.
- Your landlord must ensure that any furnishings are fire resistant and meet safety regulations.
- Your landlord must show you safety certificates so you can see when gas and electrical appliances were last checked.
- Your landlord must fit working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector, which should then be tested regularly.
Things to remember
- Escape routes should be free from obstacles and materials that burn easily.
- Means of escape and fire precautions should be in good repair.
- Exit doors should always open without the use of a key.
- There should be fire blankets and fire extinguishers in shared kitchens.
- Make sure smoke alarms are checked weekly.
- Safe & Well checks are available to help you be fire safe at home – click here for more or call us on 0800 038 2323.
The Fire Kills campaign has produced a leaflet on Fire Safety In Shared or Rented Accommodation.