Fireproofing Rentals: How Should Responsible Landlords React?
by Andy Morley on Feb 20, 2015
Buy to let mortgages is one of the biggest growth markets in UK property at the moment, and the number of people living in rented accommodation is at an all-time high, however not all landlords take their letting responsibilities seriously, particularly with regards to appliance and fire safety.
Every landlord has a duty of care to ensure that the homes they rent are fit for purpose. Fit for purpose means that not only should the property be structurally sound, but appliances should be regularly checked to ensure they are safe and working, in particular where this relates to electric and gas appliances which should be serviced and checked at least annually by a qualified engineer.
Fire safety legislation also needs to be carefully adhered to and all exits to the property should be clear. Furnishings and fittings need to be of flame-retardant material and smoke and fire alarms should be fitted, working and tested regularly throughout the building. Carbon monoxide monitors are also crucial health and safety measures.
Large buildings or that are considered to be of multiple occupations (such as houses let to groups of students or where there are 3 or more tenants made up of different households) are legally obliged to have a fire extinguisher.
But what type of fire extinguisher to buy? This depends on the type of fire you are trying to guard against. Different categories of fire extinguishers exist to tackle different problems. For example, electrical fires (where a powder or Co2 product is required) versus a wood, textiles or paper fire can be put out with ordinary water. Never try to put out an electrical fire with water as this carries a significant risk of electrocution.
Perhaps the most appropriate ‘general purpose’ fire extinguisher to have in the house would be a powder extinguisher. These are suitable for Class A (wood, textiles, and paper), Class B (petrol, oil, paint, and tar) and Class C fires (flammable gasses). The extinguishers come in different sizes and if a property is over more than two stories and is occupied by more than one household, it might make sense to have more than one extinguisher.
However, kitchen fires (often caused by cooking fats such as lard or olive oil) need to be treated with a wet chemical extinguisher or a fire blanket which will smother and put out the fire. Fire blankets are also useful for fires in small areas such as a bin. If purchasing a wet chemical extinguisher, buy one that is also considered safe if it is accidentally used on an electrical fire.
Landlord fire safety packs that are designed to deal with most categories of fire can be purchased and it is recommended that you buy one that also includes a first aid kit.
Instructions on how to use fire safety equipment should be displayed alongside the equipment itself, particularly in high-risk areas such as kitchens and utility rooms.
Fire Safety Store
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
92867 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
73474 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71426 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51987 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30299 Views
Latest Articles
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Global Real Estate Trends: What’s Driving Property Investments This Year?
For investors hoping to optimize returns in the ever-changing world of real estate, knowing current trends is not merely a matter of staying...
on Dec 19, 2024
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 202
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Fridge on the Brink? It could just be the Seal
The seal on your refrigerator and freezer is what holds the doors closed properly. This ensures that the cold air remains inside and keeps...
How to Install Pavers
When installing pavers you want to get it right the first time, otherwise, you’ll end up having to make repairs after a few years. There are ways...
Exploring Pool Deck Surface Options
Swimming pools are an essential part of a refreshing summer experience. The pool area is just as important as the pool itself since it helps the...
How to Build a Barbecue
An old-fashioned brick barbecue transforms your back garden into an open-air kitchen. Friends and family can enjoy countless hours of fresh air...
Roof Repair: Tips on Handling It Properly
Among the many DIY repair projects to do around the house, roof repair is the most complex one. There are risks that need to be managed before you...