Rules and Regulations

tbs624

There isn’t a definitive list as such for rented properties.

There are regs, dating back to 1994, relating to glass in doors within general domestic situations, which state that where the start of the glazing in a door falls between the finished floor level and 1500mm above that floor level, it is described as being in a “critical location”. This glazing must be safety glass (laminated or toughened) to BS 6206.

(Glass has to be marked to comply with Building Regs Part N -also have a look under FENSA for replacement doors/windows regs)

Obviously, if it’s an older door there’s the possibility that it is non -compliant with current standards but as already stated BRegs are not applied retrospectively: however many LLs do upgrade such doors during refurbs as part of their duty of care to their tenants.

If you can’t find an appropriate BS marking on the glass then your daughter should have a chat with the LL about her concerns. If he doesn’t want to replace the door, she could maybe suggest that he agrees to some adhesive safety film being applied to the glass (mothercare sell it) or that the glass is screened by an appropriate plastic glazing sheet securely attached to the door.

A new glazed interior door is likely to cost the LL around £80-90, including hanging the door.

tbs624

poppysarah wrote: »

.....Yup. MUST be toughened safety glass. In fact all glass used these days in a house has to be unless the pane size is very small as in e.g.
leaded lights or small framed panels..

Poppysarah - this is misleading IMO. Applies as and when current doors/windows are replaced - AFIAA there is *no* requirement to upgrade all non-compliant doors/windows although it would clearly be good practice for those letting property to give high priority to doing so, especially when property is to be let to young families or elderly tenants. (Can form part of ongoing assessment of hazard/risk within the property )

N79

I have just had this in one of my older properties which have a set of double doors between lounge and dining room, each with 8 small glass panes from floor to ceiling. The doors are original as far as I know. This came to light because some prospective new Ts asked about this as they had young children and were worried. I admit that I had no idea if they were saftey glass or not - it had never crossed my mind!

However, I do not believe that LL have any duty to update glass beyond their normal duty of care. Personally, I think that if there are young children in the property and T has bought the issue to LL attention and then LL did nothing then there would be grounds to bring a case against the LL in the event of injury, but this is purely my opinion.

I would recommend that the OP gets their daughter to write to the LL and ask them if the glass is safety glass and if not, to politely ask them to change the glass (or doors). There is no regulation that I am aware of that requires the LL to make this change so don't go in all regulations blazing!

McKneff

Wouldnt it just be easier to put a plywood/hardwood panel over the bottom half of the door, paint it to match, it can then be just taken off and the door repainted when leaving the property

Nicky321

Will ask the LL and see if we can come to some kind of agreement.