Safety lighting in converted house

Landlord Discussion Legal
1

Hi there,

I rent out a flat in a house. There are two other flats in the main building. There’s also a basement flat which has its own separate entrance. Someone has suggested that there is a new law now to provide safety lighting in the hallway that works in the event of a power cut, to light an escape route in case of fire or similar, but I can’t find any guidance online relating to this. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

2

Yes there are Fire Safety regs for flats within a building where communal areas like hallways and stairs are shared. This would usually be the responsibility of the freeholder(s).

Just Google fire regulations for flats

1 Like
3

Thanks - I can’t find anything mentioned about emergency lighting. Just smoke alarms, fire doors and escape routes that aren’t obstructed by bikes, prams etc…

4

Lacors or home stamp should be on line if not speak to your local fire department they will be able to give you free advice , and maybe an inspection

1 Like
5

“In flats, emergency lighting is legally required in common areas of buildings with multiple floors, ensuring safe evacuation during a power outage or emergency, and must comply with BS 5266 standards.”

The above is just one result I got when I Googled Emergency lighting in flats… This is just one requirement of the general fire regulations. There will be other stuff around fire doors etc

6

Thanks very much for your help! I’ve found this which suggests that in converted houses where there is borrowed light from street lighting, emergency lighting may not be necessary. (sharing in case useful for others.) I’m going to get an up to date fire inspection done as not done this for ten years.

Where do you need emergency lighting?

Emergency escape lighting is not required in individual flats themselves but must be provided to all common escape routes within purpose-built blocks of flats over two storeys in height. Smaller blocks under two storeys may still require emergency lighting if there is no adequate borrowed lighting (street lighting).

The lighting must provide good illumination of stairways, any changes in floor level, fire call points, and fire fighting equipment.

In many cases, for houses, HMO’s and converted blocks of flats, conventional lighting with suitable controls will suffice. There are however some instances, considered high risk, where emergency lighting may be a requirement. Domestic buildings with the following features may require the addition of escape lighting.

  • Long escape routes.
  • Complex layouts.
  • No natural or borrowed light illuminating the escape route.
  • Building which houses high risk or vulnerable occupants.
  • Number of storeys.
7

Unless you have a full repairing lease this would normally be slmething your freeholder is responsible for.

8

Thanks, I am a co-freeholder