The Home Office has released a guide titled "A Guide to Making Your Small Block of Flats Safe from Fire" in consultation with experts from the fire, business, and housing sectors. The purpose of this guide is to provide advice and suggestions to aid in complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended). It is important to note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the legislation and seek legal advice if needed.
A Guide to Making Your Small Block of Flats Safe from Fire offers easy-to-follow and practical advice for individuals who are responsible for fire safety in small blocks of flats to comply with fire safety regulations and keep their premises safe from fire.
Such persons include:
This guide focuses on small, general needs blocks of flats that:
The guide is applicable to three-story blocks with not more than six flats, comprising a ground, first, and second floor.
The Home Office has released a guide titled "A Guide to Small Non-Domestic Premises Safe from Fire" in consultation with experts from the fire, business, and housing sectors. The purpose of this guide is to provide advice and suggestions to aid in complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended). It is important to note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the legislation and seek legal advice if needed.
A Guide to Making Your Small Non-Domestic Premises Safe from Fire has been published to assist persons responsible for fire safety in small non-domestic premises to comply with fire safety legislation and make their premises safe from fire.
LACORS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) published comprehensive fire safety guidance for landlords and managers of residential housing in the UK. It is especially relevant for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), flats, and single dwellings.
The guidance outlines how to meet the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) requirements under the Housing Act 2004. Though not legally binding, it is widely used by local authorities as the benchmark for fire safety compliance in rented properties.
If you own, manage, or let:
...then LACORS guidance applies to you. Failure to follow it could lead to enforcement action by your local council.
LACORS bridges the gap between the Housing Act and fire safety law. It ensures landlords meet both housing standards and fire safety regulations. Following it helps protect lives, reduce liability, and avoid fines or prosecution.
A fire risk assessment is the cornerstone of compliance. LACORS stresses that all rented properties, especially HMOs, must have a current and suitable fire risk assessment.
Fixfire provides comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments aligned with LACORS standards.
Q. What is the legal status of LACORS?
A. LACORS is guidance, not law—but it is widely used by local authorities and often treated as a de facto standard in court cases or licensing reviews.
Q. Do I need to follow LACORS if I own a single-let house?
A. Yes. Even single-family lets are covered under the Housing Act, and LACORS offers the clearest interpretation of fire safety expectations.
Q. Is a fire alarm required in every room?
A. LACORS outlines different requirements depending on the property type. HMOs typically need interlinked detection systems, not just battery smoke alarms.
Q. How often should I update my fire risk assessment?
A. Annually, or when there's a change in occupancy or property layout.
Download LACORS Housing Fire Safety PDF.
LACORS
Fire Alarm Systems / Fire Extinguishers, Fire Blankets & Ancillary Items / Fire Suppression Systems / Emergency Lighting / Fire Risk Assessment / Fire & Safety Signs / Gas Detection / Safe Escape & Evacuation / Fire Door Hold Back Devices / Fire Doors / Evacuation Alert System / Fire Training
Nurse Call Systems / Staff Attack Systems / Call System Accessories / Door Monitoring
Mayflower House
Bodmin Road
COVENTRY CV2 5DB
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Stenson Road
COALVILLE LE67 4JP
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