New rent and fire regs

Mankysteve

Can anyone confirm for the minimum level of fire protection in a multiply occupancy household(4 unrelated students?). Its also in north Wales if that changes anything.

G_M

Most councils will have details on their websites.

Here is a useful document, though it's England so may be different.

Mankysteve

Thanks if anyone know of similar one for Gwyneth council?

Also got this in the bathroom

G_M

The Gwynedd council website says:
(though why you can't find this yourself I'm not sure!)

Houses in Multiple Occupation
In addition to the above there are special standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation. A house in multiple occupation means a house in which the occupiers do not form a single household (e.g. bedsits, self-contained flats, hostels and holiday flats).
These standards state that a house in multiple occupation must possess the following:
(a) satisfactory facilities for the storage, preparation and cooking of food including an adequate number of sinks with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water.
(b) an adequate number of suitably located water closets for the exclusive use of the occupants.
(c) an adequate number of fixed baths or showers and wash hand basins complete with a
satisfactory supply of hot and cold water.
(d) there are adequate means of escape from fire.
(e) there are other adequate fire precautions
Also, the Housing (Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Regulations 1990 make provision for ensuring that the person managing a house in multiple occupation observes proper standards of management
In addition to the above the Council operates a mandatory registration scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation. Has your property been registered?
Accomodation is not up to the standards?
The first point of contact is the landlord or his agent. You should allow a reasonable amount of time for the landlord to do the repairs. If the landlord refuses to do the work or agrees to do them but does not start or finish them within a reasonable time you can contact the Housing Enforcement Section.
A landlord of a house in multiple occupation may apply for a grant to assist with fire precaution work.

Mankysteve

Yeah I found that page but I was after more clarification as to what are Other adequate fire precautions mean.

All the houses I have lived with have firedoors and fully fitted fire alarms/ fire extinguishers. This house of none of that.

tbs624

MankySteve - Specific HMO Fire Safety info here - follow LACORS link to "original guide"

On the photo, mains operated bathroom fans can only be fitted in Zone 1 of a bathroom if they reach certain specifications.

Is that parcel tape above and below the extractor fan???

Ask the LL who fitted the shower and for a copy of an appropriate installation record (NICEIC or similar)

You can get the property checked out under the HHSRS (Housing Health & Safety Rating System) by the private sector team at the local Council:

Further down from the bit quoted by G_M above you'll see

"If you are staying in a house in multiple occupation you should also contact the Housing Enforcement Section as we need to note details of the complaint due to health and safety issues regarding fire precautions.
I would like an officer to inspect my accomodation. How do I arrange this?
Contact the team using the details below:
Single Dwellings - Arfon Area:
Environmental Health Officer, Penrallt, CAERNARFON, Gwynedd. LL55 1BN
Phone: (01286) 682717
Single Dwellings - Dwyfor a Meirionydd Area:
Environmental Health Officer, Cae Penarlag, DOLGELLAU, Gwynedd. LL40 2YB
Phone: (01341) 424439
Tai Aml-ddaliadaeth - Gwynedd:
Environmental Health Officer, Penrallt, CAERNARFON, Gwynedd. LL55 1BN
Phone: (01286) 682775 or (01758) 704126
Principal Environmental Health Officer
Ffordd y Cob, PWLLHELI, Gwynedd, LL53 5AA
Phone: (01758) 613131
Fax: (01758) 613265
Private Sector Housing Manager
Cae Penarlag, DOLGELLAU, Gwynedd, LL40 2YB
Phone: (01341) 424368
Fax: (01341) 423984"

Am assuming you are perhaps at Bangor Uni?If so, seek advice from Student Support. Even if this LL's property was not on the Uni's "approved" list they should still be able to advise you.

poppysarah

Ring the council.

00ec25

poppysarah wrote: »

Ring the council.

agreed, unless of course you are the LL and are afraid of the answer....

is it 3 or more storeys high, that makes a huge difference to the standards required, but minimally on the info you provide then:
- yes to mains operated alarms,
- it depends on fire doors
- yes to fire blanket and extinguisher
- absolutely no to the bathroom set up (the electrican should be struck off for mouting a fused spur there)

Mankysteve

Its two story four bedroom. I think they've only just brought the place. There about to get a nasty lesson in renting I think. Which is shame as they seem like really nice people.

My eleci mate says it couldn't have been fitted by a professional electrician. It is indeed mounted of standard fuse spur although it is on the lighting circuit.

I'm to give the council a ring. Just to clarify first then I'll speak to the landlady and give them I chance to resolve before i start trying to get them trouble.

PasturesNew

Mankysteve wrote: »

I think they've only just brought the place.

The regulations for HMOs changed on 1 April. Do you know:
- what date they bought it
- if it was used as a HMO before they bought it (neighbours might have said in conversation)

00ec25

PasturesNew wrote: »

The regulations for HMOs changed on 1 April.

the requirement to have planning permission to use it as an HMO changed, the requirement to not have the sort of safety fiasco the OP is facing did not