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Fire Safety

fire kills

Carbon monoxide from defective gas appliances and flues is a known killer. Faulty electrics can cause serious injury and death, either directly or by fire. By law, the council has to make sure that larger HMOs comply with current fire safety standards. We also have powers to ensure that landlords provide an adequate means of escape from fire, and other precautions.

Many fires in the home are caused by a single moment of carelessness and could be easily prevented. It is important to be aware of possible fire hazards around the home and to take steps to protect you and your family from fire.

What can landlords and letting agents do to ensure that the fire safety standards in their properties are acceptable?

New national guidance on fire safety in residential accommodation was formally launched on Wednesday 23 July 2008. The guidance has been developed by LACORS in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA).

The guidance applies nationally and covers certain existing residential accommodation including single family dwellings, shared houses, bedsits and flats. It is not aimed at new housing built to modern Building Regulations.

The guidance adopts a risk based approach to fire safety that will satisfy both the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It includes guidance to landlords on how to carry out a fire risk assessment. The guidance is equally relevant to landlords, managing agents, local councils and fire and rescue authorities. The guidance applies to both the private and social housing sectors.

Download a copy of LACORS Fire Safety Guidance PDF file here (1575KB - 25 March 2009 - PDF Help)

Further guidance

More fire safety guidance and advice can be found below:

PDF file HM Government - Means of escape for disabled people (1076KB - 25 March 2009 - PDF Help)

PDF file HM Government - Do you have paying guests? (658KB - 25 March 2009 - PDF Help)

PDF file Electrical Safety Council - Electrical installations and their impact on the fire performance of buildings (2458KB - 25 March 2009 - PDF Help)

For a copy of a Fire safety Logbook from the National Landlords Association please visit their website

What should tenants do if they think the fire safety standards in their accommodation are inadequate?


They should inform the landlord. If problems persist and further advice is needed, contact the Private Sector Housing Team

Who to contact?

Our Private Sector Housing Team will be pleased to offer further advice to landlords and tenants alike. They can be contacted on 01395 517456.

In emergency phone 999 straight away or for more fire advice contact Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on 01392 872200 or www.dsfire.gov.uk

For information and advice about fire safety in your home you can also visit the DirectGov website.

Page last updated on 24 May 2012