karl

Thanks for your feedback. Local Authority guidance states the following : "An automatic fire detection and alarm system shall be provided to ensure early warning in the event of a fire. The actual works required in any particular case will depend on the layout of the property and are decided upon by the Council following consultation with the Fire Authority and having regard to the LACORS “Housing – Fire Safety” guidance." Thing is, since I'm a section 257 HMO and don't currently need a licence, the EHO wont come out to view!! So if I install a Grade D and they eventually come out when the licence is required (could be next year) and decide I need a Grade A, I will then have to pay all over again for a Grade A system.

I am in consultation with the other owners. However, the issue of Grade A or D detection has to be resolved. LACoRS states that for houses 3 storeys and above, the common escape route should be Grade A. The house is three stories but the escape route serves two flats. Im hoping that on that basis, (I.e. that the escape route only serves two flats - first & second) that Grade D would be acceptable. What do you think ? Where can I get a definitive answer for this ? Many thanks

Thanks again for your feedback. Your views on the measures I’m implementing would be greatly appreciated. I’m most concerned about the Grade D detection. I’m worried that it might need to be Grade A, which is really a big difference. The common escape route serves the first and second floor flats and not all three, so I figured Grade D would be acceptable. Many thanks

Thanks Tom, I understood that it is a HMO because the conversion was before 1991 and if more than 2/3 of the house is rented then it falls under Section 257. Apologies I didn't clarify that.

Hi I find myself in a Section 257 HMO situation. Therefore I've been following the LACORS guidance. Its a three storey house converted to self contained flats, with the common entrance and staircase only serving the first & second floors. My flat is on the first floor, which I will be renting out. The second floor is a private owner occupier (who doesn't want to know about any modifications!!) and the ground floor (with separate entrance) is rented out. I'm carrying out the following works to the common entrance corridor and staircase/landing up to my first floor flat: 1. 30 min fire rated accessible and lockable box around the electricity meters in the entrance. 2. New common front door lock which cannot lock from the inside with a key. 3. Integral battery backed emergency lighting - powered from the existing lighting circuit - one at ground and one at first. 4. Grade D LD2 fire detection 5. The carpet is circa 5 years old but we don't have any documentation. Carpet stores advise that carpets of that age would comply with the EU regulations for fire. Therefore I don't propose to change the carpet. Any comments on my approach would be much appreciated Many thanks