Council housing maintenance

The building in which you live has been designed with safety in mind. You can find out more about the fire safety control measure we are taking on the Housing Compliance page.

It's important you also think about fire safety in your home.

What fire safety measures we take

• Fire detection and carbon monoxide detectors - we provide council tenants with at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel-burning appliance.
• Fire doors -we must ensure all fire doors are free from defects to stop the spread of heat and smoke in the event of a fire and protect the escape route for others.
• Frefighting facilities - where applicable, we regularly check and maintain firefighting facilities, including fire engine access, firefighting lifts, fire main inlets and risers, smoke control systems, premises information boxes and clear signage for firefighters.

Fire risk assessments

Where it applies the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) places a duty on the responsible person (the Landlord) to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment at the blocks of flats they own to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of the people on the premises and in the immediate vicinity.

A programme detailing the most recent Fire Risk Assessments for the council's purpose-built block of flats and the date that they are due for re-inspection, is available.

We will take action against tenants if:

• they deliberately leave rubbish and bulky items outside their homes, under communal stairways and/ or in service cupboards
• they do not dispose of their rubbish in the appropriate locations
• are found guilty of endangering the lives of residents through deliberate actions that may cause damage.

What fire safety measures you can take

• Know your escape plan - if there is a fire in your home, it will be much easier for you to escape if you have already thought about the best way to get out quickly.
• Check your smoke alarms - check your smoke alarm every month and change the battery every year (unless you have a 10-year battery).
• If you live in a block of flats do not use the communal areas and your balcony as an extra storage space. Flammable items can cause a fire to spread much more quickly.
• If you live above a shop, restaurant or other business - look at the premises. If you have any housekeeping concerns that you think may affect the safety of building users, report this.
• Consider a home fire safety visit - Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service can carry out a visit at your home and give you the advice you need to keep your home safe.

Your responsibilities as a tenant:

• ensure that fire doors are free to 'self-close' properly and not held or wedged open
• do not store things in corridors or staircases - this can block escape routes and stop firefighters doing their job
• everyone in your household needs to know their evacuation plan
• domestic appliances must be free from damage and electrical malfunctions.