Fire Safety Guide

Your safety is our priority.

All 55 Rent properties are fitted with the appropriate smoke alarms and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with current Scottish safety legislation. Our HMO properties also include additional fire safety measures such as emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and fire blankets where required.

This guide explains how fire safety is managed during your tenancy and outlines your responsibilities in helping to keep yourself and others safe.

1. HMO Properties

If you live in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), 55 Rent will carry out regular fire safety inspections throughout your tenancy.

These inspections include checks of:

• Fire alarm systems
• Emergency lighting
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire blankets

We will provide reasonable notice whenever access to the property is required.

2. Non-HMO Properties

Before your tenancy begins, 55 Rent will test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are operating correctly.

During your tenancy, we will also carry out periodic inspections and arrange any required annual servicing and testing by suitably qualified contractors.

3. Your Responsibilities

Fire safety is a shared responsibility.

During your tenancy we ask all tenants to:

• Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once each week using the test button.
• If you live in an HMO property, record each weekly test on the Fire Safety Check Log provided.
• If you live in a non-HMO property, you do not need to keep a written record, but you should still carry out weekly alarm tests.
• Report any fault, warning light, low battery or damaged equipment immediately using the 55 Rent Maintenance Reporting Form.

4. Fire Safety Good Practice

Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fire.

Please remember to:

• Keep hallways, stairways and escape routes clear at all times.
• Keep fire doors closed and never wedge them open.
• Never use candles, tea lights or other naked flames inside the property.
• Never overload electrical sockets or extension leads.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use where appropriate.
• Follow any additional fire safety instructions provided for your property.

5. If There Is a Fire

If you discover a fire:

1. Leave the property immediately if it is safe to do so.
2. Ensure everyone else has evacuated the building.
3. Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
4. Do not re-enter the property until the emergency services confirm it is safe.

Once everyone is safe, please notify 55 Rent as soon as reasonably possible.

6. Reporting Fire Safety Issues

If you believe any fire safety equipment is damaged or not operating correctly, please report it immediately using the 55 Rent Maintenance Reporting Form.

Prompt reporting allows us to investigate and resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

7. Working Together

At 55 Rent, we are committed to providing safe, well-maintained accommodation.

We are responsible for installing, maintaining and inspecting the fire safety equipment within your property. By carrying out regular alarm tests, reporting faults promptly and following the guidance in this document, you play an important role in helping to keep yourself, your housemates and your neighbours safe.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe living environment for everyone.