Did you know that a blaze is seven times more likely to start in a rental property than in a home occupied by the owner?*
It’s a shocking statistic that underlines the need for landlords to prioritise fire safety.
So, let’s look at how to keep your tenants and property safe.
Follow the law
Landlords must follow strict rules on issues such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, gas and electrical safety checks and the provision of unobstructed escape routes.
We won’t go into too much detail here as there’s a lot of ground to cover** (if you’d like to know more, contact us directly).
But let’s be clear, landlords have a duty of care to their tenants. There’s no excuse for not knowing or following the law.
Is meeting your legal obligations enough?
As fire can have such a devastating impact, we’d argue it’s best to go above and beyond the bare minimum.
Here are some other common fire risks and tips to address them.
Plug sockets
Overloading an extension lead with multiple appliances, especially power-hungry toasters, clothes dryers and microwaves, can be a recipe for disaster.
Tip
During inspections, take note of the plug sockets in the property. Are they in good condition? (If they look damaged, seek professional advice.) If you see sockets overloaded with appliances or adapters, raise the issue with your tenants.
Electrical goods
Old or faulty electrical goods are another common cause of fire. It’s best practice to have electrical goods that you have supplied to the property PAT tested (in Scotland and within some local council licencing schemes it’s a requirement).
Tip
Keep records and manuals of all the electrical goods supplied to the property, and don’t delay when they need replacing. Red flags to look out for include burn marks on the plug, frayed cables and loose wires.
Cigarettes and candles
There are many reports of fires starting after a smoker drifts off and drops a lit cigarette or when the flame of a candle (often left unattended) catches curtains or carpets.
Tip
Include a clause banning smoking indoors in the rental agreement. You could also include clauses prohibiting tenants from bringing flammable goods on-site or using candles. If these conditions are already in the contract, ensure your tenant understands why they’re there.
Time to talk
One of the best ways to promote fire safety is to talk to your tenants about it. They’ll most likely welcome your proactive approach to their safety.
Contact us here at Belvoir Basingstoke to learn more about our property management services.
*Source: Firemark
**Different rules may apply for HMOs, student accommodation and holiday lets.
