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Rules on Entry/Exit to properties

Alz1986
Posts: 123 Forumite

Hi All.
I am planning to let one of the rooms in my flat but need some insight into making use of exit doors. 2 properties were merged a long time ago so I have 2 doors whereby occupants can enter or exit the flat but currently as per council request we only use one of these entrance/exits.
I would like the lodger to make use of the second entry/exit door and plan to request permission from the council. My question is does anyone know if there is a particular regulation which forbids or restricts us from making use of the second door along with the original first door? Both the doors leads out to a staircase used by other residents of flats - so it will not be anything unusual.
I have read through the building control control regulations and tried looking into if there are set in stone rules but could not locate anything. Most of it is linked to fire safety/ health and safety.
I am planning to let one of the rooms in my flat but need some insight into making use of exit doors. 2 properties were merged a long time ago so I have 2 doors whereby occupants can enter or exit the flat but currently as per council request we only use one of these entrance/exits.
I would like the lodger to make use of the second entry/exit door and plan to request permission from the council. My question is does anyone know if there is a particular regulation which forbids or restricts us from making use of the second door along with the original first door? Both the doors leads out to a staircase used by other residents of flats - so it will not be anything unusual.
I have read through the building control control regulations and tried looking into if there are set in stone rules but could not locate anything. Most of it is linked to fire safety/ health and safety.
0
Comments
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Could the lodgers accommodation be described as self-contained if they can access via this 2nd door?
If so then they could possibly be a tenant instead of a lodger and extra council tax may be due.0 -
Be careful you don't inadvertently end up with them being tenants if they have their own front door! Will you be sharing facilities or would they have their own kitchen area?2024 wins: *must start comping again!*0
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Hi All.
I am planning to let one of the rooms in my flat but need some insight into making use of exit doors. 2 properties were merged a long time ago so I have 2 doors whereby occupants can enter or exit the flat but currently as per council request we only use one of these entrance/exits. - Why are they council bothered?
I would like the lodger to make use of the second entry/exit door and plan to request permission from the council. - why? My question is does anyone know if there is a particular regulation which forbids or restricts us from making use of the second door along with the original first door? - not a clue. Why does the council care how you enter your home? Both the doors leads out to a staircase used by other residents of flats - so it will not be anything unusual. - why do you care which entrance the lodger uses?
I have read through the building control control regulations and tried looking into if there are set in stone rules but could not locate anything. Most of it is linked to fire safety/ health and safety.0 -
Could the lodgers accommodation be described as self-contained if they can access via this 2nd door?
If so then they could possibly be a tenant instead of a lodger and extra council tax may be due.
The agreement will be for a bedroom with "shared" space. But at the same time I want to maintain some privacy and boundary between us and therefore I prefer to have a separate entrance for them, its a fairly large flat so it can be done.
I don't want to do anything under the nose of the council who are the main landlords, and I do need them to provide a key for building entry- just thinking if there is an actual policy on restrictions to entering and exiting a flat/building 2 ways, if not, then I'll just have to give them my rationale for it and see what they make of it. If there is - then its dead in the water.0 -
The agreement will be for a bedroom with "shared" space. But at the same time I want to maintain some privacy and boundary between us and therefore I prefer to have a separate entrance for them, its a fairly large flat so it can be done. - Is it shared kitchen, bathroom etc? You sound like you're avoiding what is a simple question. IE you're trying to be clever with the regulations
I don't want to do anything under the nose of the council who are the main landlords, and I do need them to provide a key for building entry- just thinking if there is an actual policy on restrictions to entering and exiting a flat/building 2 ways, if not, then I'll just have to give them my rationale for it and see what they make of it. If there is - then its dead in the water.0 -
Be careful you don't inadvertently end up with them being tenants if they have their own front door! Will you be sharing facilities or would they have their own kitchen area?
We will be sharing. In practice they will have their own kitchen/dining and toilet area, as it gives us privacy.0 -
I don't want to do anything under the nose of the council who are the main landlords
Aha! The council are the freeholders? And they imposed the restriction wearing their freeholder hat? (as opposed to building control, planning, HMO licensing, etc etc)just thinking if there is an actual policy on restrictions to entering and exiting a flat/building 2 ways
I can see them also having concern that you may be subdividing the flat.0 -
Does the flat lease state which door(s) to your flat can or cannot be used. If not, it is difficult to see how the council as the freeholder can insist on which door(s) you use or do not use.If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales0
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Then you do not have a lodger, you have a tenant.
And the possibility of a separate Council Tax band on the tenant's accommodation with the tenant being responsible for paying the CTIf you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales0
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