Fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors in Durham

Durham has 37,482 social housing homes. Fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors can be a serious problem, and a legal trigger for claims under Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 + Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Symptoms to look for

• Smoke alarm missing, not working, or the battery removed
• No carbon monoxide alarm in a room with a boiler, log burner, or gas fire
• A fire door that doesn't close by itself or doesn't seal shut
• Damaged self-closer, broken seal, or gaps around a fire door frame
• Escape routes or shared hallways blocked with rubbish or furniture
• A previous small fire or scorch damage never properly repaired

Evidence to gather

• Press the test button on any alarm and photograph the result, or lack of a beep
• Photograph a fire door that won't close, plus any gaps, damaged seals, or a missing self-closer
• Note the date you reported it in writing and keep copies of every message to your landlord