Landlords and managing agents across the country are putting lives at risk by ignoring new laws on fire doors in high-rise blocks.
A story particularly relevant considering it's currently fire door safety week 2023
New legislation around the fitting of fire doors in blocks and HMO’s came into force at the start of 2023. (Fire Safety Order. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022) after the Grenfell disaster inquiry.
There is a critical need for landlords to ensure fire doors are fitted and work correctly, yet the law hasn’t really been publicised or explained. Lots of confusion – estate agents/letting agents are not aware and consequently are not driving for landlords to do the work. Managing agents and freeholders are responsible to ensure fire doors are fitted and working (as deemed ‘Responsible Persons’).
Aspect – the UK’s leading property management service – who employs more than 200 skilled tradesmen across London and the South East, has warned the government is risking another Grenfell disaster by failing to police the rules, which came into force in January 2023 – ironically, in response to the Grenfell disaster inquiry.
“The laws are completely clear about why fire doors are important in tall blocks, and yet the enforcement regime is almost non-existent,” said Aspect MD Will Davies.
“Freeholds and managing agents have a duty to ensure each flat and communal area in blocks are protected by working fire doors. But nobody is checking, and it is being ignored widely.” Also co-founder of the £35m a year turnover business, he went on: “As we head into winter, a period when home fires sadly increase, the issue becomes even more pressing”.
Davies, also co-founder of the £35m a year turnover business – is available for comment and interview regarding the issues surrounding the lack of enforcement around the legislation and how the Government needs to engage with property management agencies handling the fitting of doors and recommendations for landlords.
