Update to fire safety rules?

Tenant Discussion
1

Hello everyone, I am a tenant in a flat which shares a common outer corridor with a second flat. The flats belong to two different landlords.

The second flat is being vacated and soon viewing will start. The landlord of the second flat today came asking to remove all the items from the shared space due to a change to fire safety rules. He was unable to pinpoint where the new rules are or which entity will perform the checks (he vaguely mentioned an insurance company)

Can anybody direct me to the new rules so I can see exactly what needs to be removed and how? We store some items in there to avoid them being stolen if left in the garden.
I just want to know the law and ensure that this move is for everyone’s interest and not only for marketing purposes (in which case we can help as well, but I would prefer to know it transparently)

Thanks

2

There have been recent changes to fire safety regulations for flats due to the Grenfell fire. As a landlord with flats in purpose built buildings I have had to pay additional maintenance for fire safety upgrades. I will allow one of the more experienced members of this forum to inform you of the regulation changes.

3

Thanks for this, our house is reconverted into flats, will it also apply?
The landlord said that the update to the rules is recent. Do you recall when the rules were updated given the fact that that incident was many years ago?

I just want to know more about the law

Thank you!

4

Google "fire safety regulations after Grenfell fire.

1 Like
5

You cannot block communal areas . It’s basic health and safety
The landlord is well within her rights to ask you to keep it clear
I served a s21 for someone who would not keep communal areas clear
Speak to the fire department for clarification

6

Fire safety is strict. Even keeping a bike in communal areas is not allowed, it does not even have to impact access in any way. (Due to toxic smoke being given off by tyres in event of fire). Same applies to other items.