Under the Housing Act 2004, local authorities must consult the Fire Authority before taking enforcement action, The Fire and Rescue Service also has a responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to develop a more robust partnership. The service have appointed a dedicated fire safety officer who will work closely with Environmental Health Officers in promoting fire safety and ensuring the correct standards are applied.
On 29 September 2009 Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service in conjunction with Bedford Borough Council ran two workshops for Housing Association managers, Letting Agents and Landlords. The focus was to inform them of their legal responsibilities in respect of fire safety, the need to carry out a fire safety risk assessment and how both authorities would work together not only to enforce their respective legislation, but to provide technical guidance that clearly and simplistically details what standards are required throughout the range of accommodation types.
To assist in this process an example of a completed fire risk assessment for a typical rented property is detailed below.
Example of a fire risk assessment for a rented property (.PDF)
Presentations
Fire Safety Workshop - Fire Safety in the Rented Sector (.PDF)
Summary of main points (.PDF)