Fire Safety Act 2021: Everything Residential Landlords Need to Know
As a residential landlord in the UK, it is important to be aware of the recently passed Fire Safety Act 2021.
This is especially true as the new legislation makes some significant changes to the law, and non-compliance could lead to serious risks. In this article, we will give a comprehensive overview of the new Act, its purpose, major changes it made, how it impacts landlords, and the risks of non-compliance.
What is the Fire Safety Act 2021?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 is a piece of UK legislation that was introduced to replace the existing Fire Safety Order of 2005. The primary purpose of this new piece of legislation is to make sure that fire safety regulations in the UK are current, effective and enforced. This act is important because it helps ensure that all residential properties and blocks of flats are safe and that the risk of death or injury from fire is reduced.
What are the biggest changes that the Fire Safety Act 2021 made?
The main changes that the Fire Safety Act 2021 made to the existing law can be broadly divided into two categories.
- Firstly, the Act expanded the scope of the existing regulations by introducing new responsibilities for landlords and property owners.
- Secondly, it increased the range of sanctions available to the relevant authorities if these responsibilities are not fulfilled.
Let's take a closer look at these two categories in more detail.
Expanded Responsibilities for Landlords
The Fire Safety Act 2021 introduced a number of new responsibilities for landlords. Most notably, it places the duty of care regarding fire safety firmly on the shoulders of the landlord or property owner. This means that landlords must take proactive measures to ensure that the property is safe and that there is a comprehensive fire safety strategy in place.
The Act also expands the type of properties that must comply with the regulations. Now, all residential properties and blocks of flats must follow the same fire safety standards, regardless of their size, use, or location.
Finally, the Act also imposes new testing and maintenance requirements. These include ensuring that all fire alarms, smoke detectors and extinguishers are regularly checked and maintained in accordance with the standards set out in the Act.
Increased Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The Fire Safety Act 2021 also introduced a number of new sanctions for those who do not comply with the regulations. The most significant of these are the new civil penalties that can be imposed by the relevant authorities on landlords who fail to comply. These penalties can range from £5,000 to £30,000.
The new Act also allows for criminal sanctions to be imposed in cases where there is a failure to take "appropriate measures" to reduce the risk of fire.
This may include failing to comply with the fire safety regulations, or not informing tenants of their rights and obligations under the new law.
How Does This Impact Landlords in the UK?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 has a number of implications for landlords in the UK. The most significant of these are the new responsibilities and duties they must now fulfil. This includes ensuring that any residential property they own is safe and that they have a comprehensive fire safety strategy in place. They will also need to make sure that all fire safety equipment such as alarms and extinguishers are regularly tested and maintained.
It is also important to note that the new sanctions for non-compliance mean that landlords must take their responsibilities seriously. Failing to do so could lead to hefty fines, or even criminal convictions in some cases.
What are the Risks of Non-Compliance for a Landlord in the UK?
The risks of non-compliance for landlords in the UK are high. As outlined above, the Fire Safety Act 2021 introduced a number of new sanctions for non-compliance. These include both civil and criminal penalties, with fines ranging from £5,000 to £30,000. In addition, landlords may also be liable for any injury or damage caused by a fire, if they have failed to fulfil their duties.
It is also important to note that fire safety regulations are enforced by a number of different authorities. This means that landlords could be subject to multiple inspections and sanctions.
Resources
• Fire Safety Act 2021: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/3/contents/enacted
• Fire Safety Order 2005: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made
• Fire Safety Guidance for Landlords: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-and-management-for-houses-in-multiple-occupation-hmos/fire-safety-risk-assessment-and-management-for-houses-in-multiple-occupation-hmos