Depending on the level of management, agents may be required to raise any potential fire safety risks on behalf of contract-holders or advise how to raise fire safety risks. Any Propertymark members selling flats should ensure that they provide the appropriate material information regarding fire safety measures.
Once enacted, the Bill introduces fire safety requirements for when buildings are occupied. This is in contrast to previous legislation enacted in Wales which only applied to the design and construction phase of the building.
Key responsibilities
For blocks of flats, buildings over 11 metres must be registered with a building safety authority, with new requirements for accountable persons to monitor the fire safety risks of the building. Residents will also have new responsibilities for ensuring they do not cause potential fire or structural safety risks.
For HMOs, landlords and agents who are managing the property are required to organise a fire risk assessment and manage fire safety risks.
The Bill also provides additional powers for fire safety and building safety authorities to investigate compliance with the requirements set out in the Bill. Enforcing authorities will be able to acquire information from people related to properties they are investigating and can issue further notices if they believe there is evidence of non-compliance.
