Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Regulations about locks in rented flats
I have not been able to find definitive regulations about the type of locks required for rented flats in converted houses. For example, does the door to the outside need to be openable without a key? In other words, there is no traditional Chubb lock. Does the door from each self contained flat within the conversion need to be openable without a key? They do require fire doors but locks are not mentioned. Is this at the tenant's discretion? These flats were converted a long time ago, so building regulations were less stringent. Can anybody shed light on this for me please? Thank you.
Tags for Forum Posts: flats, for, regulations, rental
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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I'm not sure what type of property you live in, but it's likely that the highest standards with regards to most things with rental properties will be set for Licensable Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)*. Here's what Haringey's guidance on licenseable HMOs** says. (In referring to the licence holder, it means the landlord):
"The licence holder will be required to ensure that there are sufficient measures in the property to provide a secure environment for the occupiers.
"The licence holder must have a policy on controlling the return of room keys when rooms are vacated. This shall include action to be taken to ensure lock barrels are changed when keys are not returned.
"The licence holder should seek the advice of the local police station’s crime prevention officer on measures to improve the security of the property, including lettings and communal areas."
It seems to go no further. Apparently, these conditions don't apply to HMOs that don't need to be licensed.
As for non-HMO properties, I'm not aware of there being any legal obligation on landlords with regards to locks. You can read about their obligations here on .gov.uk
PS: Although I have a little knowledge of renting legislation, I'm not an expert. So I offer these thoughts as a neighbour. I hope they give you some threads to pick up and follow.
** For a definition of an HMO see .gov.uk here.
* Find out more bout HMOs and licensing here.
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Permalink Reply by Protheroe O'Shea on
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the street door must be openable without a key. the I would contact the fire service and shelter they have a weather of advice. We ensure all our flats have this system.
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Okay, but it sounds like Helen might be planning to go into bat with her landlord. So it’s importtant that she understands that what you’ve quoted seems like recommendation not an obligation or a regulation.
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Permalink Reply by Helen Myers on
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Thank you for this. I had already scoured this document but, apart from HMO's, other guidelines are just recommendations and not enforceable. However in the case of a major incident, I wonder who would be liable? I suspect the Landlord with regard to the individual flats and the freeholder with regard to the main front door but I don't want to take the risk. I am not a Freeholder of this building or I would enforce it with my Lessee downstairs. I do not want to contact the Freeholder about this as they use Agents who would attempt to charge us a fortune to change/enact anything. I would rather use my own contractor to remove locks etc. and have told the lady downstairs I will do it at my own expense and not ask her to pay half (as she is making so much fuss.)
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spend some money on a really decent lock and explain why . I'm sure the other person will be happy.
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no, builders reccomended. but it's really about having respect for our tenants. not that I assume you don't..
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You might also want to refer to your insurers to see if they have specific requirements about lock specifications....
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Permalink Reply by Geraldine B on
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Fire safety and therefore easy exit is the important thing here. i am a landlord and I could not sleep happily without a safe lock AND smoke/fire alarms fitted. Speak to any locksmith/shop and they can help you get the correct and fire-safe lock. I also ask my tenants to practice an emergency fire evacuation when they think about darkness and lots of smoke too! My rented flat is first-floor on the ladder. And shame on the HMO regs for not being better!
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Hello everybody and thank you for your advice.
I am a landlord and the flats are not HMO's. HMO's should abide by strict guidelines which are subject to checks for licencing, though looking at the state of my daughter's student flats it doesn't seem so :( There is a massive grey area with regard to non HMO's. One of my flats falls into an area which may soon be licenced by Haringey so I will know what their stipulations are at that time at least.
I agree that it is best to err on the side of safety at all times, both with exiting in time of danger and also regarding resistance to burglary.
I have a sticky situation with one of my flats. My tenants live on the first floor and the lady downstairs is an owner/occupier. The door to my flat is a fire door with the correct locking facility and a mortice lock which they can use if they wish. The lower door to the street is the same.
My tenants feel uncomfortable as the lady downstairs always wants to lock the main front door with the mortice key (for her safety) but the tenants are afraid of getting out in a fire, especially as they have a baby.
I have assured the lady downstairs that the main lock is very secure and of the type used in communal/purpose built blocks. I would like to remove the mortice lock so she can't keep locking it but she doesn't want me to.
If I can quote some legislation then it will help my cause. I will check the links shown above and see if it sheds any light on this and will contact the fire authority if necessary.
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Permalink Reply by Konrad B on
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Fit a thumbturn mortise look. This has the advantage of making the lock easy to open from the inside, without a key, whilst retaining the security of a mortise lock.
If you are a leaseholder you will probably need the freeholders permission to change or remove any locks, check your lease.
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Permalink Reply by Graham Charnock on
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Perhaps you could persuade her to lock the mortice lock but leave the key in place, or in a nearby location.
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