Fire regs, flats and nosey landlords

[revjames]

As you may know I have been living rented acommodation lately as I am working in Blackpool but still have a house in Wales. The first place I rented was a small cottage. Nice but pricey. After 6 months we moved to a flat in the second floor of a house. The house is divided into 3 flats. Ground floor (occupied by building owner), 2nd floor occupied by 2 gents and the second floor occupied by us.

There is a common entrance to the building then a doorway to the stairs which gives access to the 2 other flats. Each with its own entrance from the stairs.

The first week I was there I had a hospital appointment in Wales at short notice so we went back for a few days. When I came back I got a 'telling off' from the landlord saying they had to know when we were away because of 'fire regs'. Am I being cynical in thinking they have it wrong? Don't see why I need to clear my absences with them :C

 

[Andy™]

never heard that one before

 

[kerching]

Personally speaking....it is **** all to do with him. Tell him due to the Data Protection act you are unable to divulge personal information without taking him 'through security'...bearing in mind of course that you may need a new Lanlord.!!!

Tell him you are going to verify it with Trumpton, along with Fire Alarm, Emergency lighting, adequate egress, fire rated front door with intumescent seals, georgian wired glass in fanlights etc....then wait for the smell of 5h!te hitting the 'air circulation module'.

The opinions expressed above are purely the personal rantings and thoughts of the author and are worth exactly what you paid for them.... :coat

 

[Revved Up Sparky]

Maybe he wants to know when you are going to be away so he can rifle through your stuff !

 

[revjames]

well thought about that too. Was thinking of putting a hair across the doorway James Bond style next time we are away.

 

[sparky b]

You normally only tell them you're going to be away if it's for 28 days or more, if you don't and the place 'appears' to be abandoned the landlord can legally gain entry...

 

[Sidewinder]

sparky,

What if the rent etc. is all paid up?

I don't know as I don't rent, but, if you paid up or paid say by DD then what could be the issue?

 

[sparky b]

I'm not entirely sure, i just know that it states it in the tenancy agreement we give to our tenants, and from experience i've seen the horrors of switched off heating with cold wet washing hanging around etc...

 

[Sidewinder]

sparky,

Fair comment mate, I suppose if the tennant went away in May and came back in April, all paid up, if the heating etc was off then there could be an "issue" over the winter!!!

 

[sparky b]

There often is mate, also our landlords insurance requires notification if property in unattended for 28 days or more.

 

[revjames]

we are all paid up month in advance and a months bond. Just fail to see what it has got to do with them if I decide to go away for a few days?

 

[Manator]

He may just be over cautious with the fire regulations. If you have not told him you are away for the night/weekend and a fire did break out, he could mistakenly inform the fire brigade that you are in the flat. This would put an extra risk on the fire brigades response to the fire.

 

[revjames]

Fair point.

 

[Manator]

Fair point.

Still a bit over zealous though, I bet you felt like you was back at school

 

[revjames]

fairly obvious. car outside = were home