Residential Landlords Association updates fire guidance

The RLA has created new look and fully up-to-date fire safety pages, including videos and interactive resources to help landlords do everything possible to keep their tenants safe and details of the government’s response to the Grenfell tragedy.

It has reassured members that many will not be affected by the Government’s response to Grenfell Tower with the ACM cladding however, it is supporting the Government in its efforts to improve fire safety.

The association has also updated its Property Fire Risk Assessment Form. It is advising members that they should only use this form and complete their own risk assessment if they are ‘competent’ to do so and if they are assessing a single dwelling.

An assessment for a HMO or flats should be carried out by a qualified professional.  However, it has urged members to look at the last time they had a risk assessment undertaken.

Included in the new offering is a compliance video tutorial by RLA Director and trainer Carrie Kus. The video gives a step-by-step demonstration, showing residential landlords how to identify potential fire hazards during a walk through of a rental home.

It also gives practical advice and solutions to ensure your property is compliant with the most recent fire safety guidance, based, in the main, on the LACORS guidance. New guides added to the site include:

• DCLG – UPDATE on interim mitigation required pending remediation of cladding for building owners
• The Government’s Building Safety Programme in response to Grenfell Tower
• Fire Safety Compliance
• Guidance on fire safety in individual flats
• Key advice for Private Landlords on Fire Precautions

An overview of fire safety advice for residential landlords can be found here. And owners of apartments or purpose built flats may also find the Guidance on fire safety in individual flats useful.