Student Housing – Housing providers’ responsibilities

Student housing providers have responsibilities to ensure that accommodation meets certain fire safety standards to protect tenants.

This includes:

• Installing at least one fire alarm on every floor of the building
• Installing carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a solid fuel burning appliance
• Testing all alarms at the beginning of every new tenancy

Fines of up to £5,000, and in some cases a prison sentence, can be charged for providers who do not comply with legislation from the Housing Act and the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015.

What fire safety equipment should be provided?

The most common items of fire safety equipment used in shared student accommodation are interlinking fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and items such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

Your local Specification manager would be happy to provide guidance on tailored safety solutions for student housing.