Landlord has put padlock on fire escape!

ThunderHoof

Today I received an email from the letting agency that they had put a padlock on the gate used to access the bin store and that we would no longer be able to enter through that front door. However that gate is a designated fire exit with signs all over it and fire escape signs point to that exit, the only other fire exit is an electronically locked gate which requires a fob or code to open so in an attempt to escape a fire it's unlikely people would be able to use it, this would leave people trapped inside the complex if the fire alarm wasn't triggered to unlock the gate, surely this cannot be legal? It is creating a potential death trap!

Herbalus

I would reply to their message and simply ask where they are moving the fire escape to since they have blocked the existing one. Maybe they’re not aware it’s a fire escape.

I would also ask them where you should put your bins? Or am I missing something here. Surely they haven’t locked up the bin store?

GSDMum

Not sure you live in London, if not maybe your local fire brigade will do a home fire risk assessment. That would make any fire risk 'official' and perhaps give you a peace of mind?

https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit/

ThunderHoof

Herbalus said:

I would reply to their message and simply ask where they are moving the fire escape to since they have blocked the existing one. Maybe they’re not aware it’s a fire escape.

I would also ask them where you should put your bins? Or am I missing something here. Surely they haven’t locked up the bin store?

The bin store is accessible from the rear, it's the front entrance from the street they have padlocked, despite there being a large fire escape sign on the gate.

saajan_12

There being a sign doesn't necessarily mean is needed as a fire escape.. The fire alarm triggering and electronic gates auto-opening might not be an unreasonable expectation. 

If you're worried about the fire safety side, then get the fire brigade to do a risk assessment. Their report should either assure you, or provide an argument to take to the LL. 

theartfullodger

Write/email landlord (yes ) and agent - keep copies - noting this danger to your life and health, copying (noted on letter) council housing dept and local fire service.  

But don't expect sadly, a good reference. Such a shame prospective tenants don't require references about landlord/agent from previous tenants.  As landlords ask for references from previous landlords, who could object to tenants similar requirements?  £25 to an agreed housing charity if anyone can come up with a good reason.

And people wonder why landlords and agents get a bad name for being stupid, dangerous and Barking.

Artful: Landlord 

Apodemus

saajan_12 said:

There being a sign doesn't necessarily mean is needed as a fire escape.. 

No, but while it remains marked as a Fire Escape, it needs to remain available in the event of a fire.

theartfullodger said:

...copying (noted on letter) council housing dept...

Council Building Control, perhaps... Council environmental health, perhaps... but the Council's Housing department is unlikely to have a remit in this.