Fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors at Leeds City Council
If you rent from Leeds City Council and your fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors problem has been left unfixed, the law sets clear deadlines for getting it put right, and you may have a claim. Here is what Leeds City Council must do and how to act.
Why this matters
Leeds tenants often report being passed between the council, the ALMO and the contractor without anyone taking responsibility. Always direct your formal complaint to the council itself (as your landlord), they can't deflect the Awaab's Law obligation onto a third party. Specifically for fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors, Smoke inhalation and burns if a fire does start is a recognised health risk under Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 + Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and Leeds City Council have a legal duty to act.
The legal anchor
Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 + Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 gives you the right to repairs in a reasonable time. Under Awaab's Law (in force October 2025), Leeds City Council have in scope from Phase 2 (2026) or Phase 3 (2027) of Awaab's Law, and already covered by Section 11 LTA 1985 from the moment you reported the problem.
What 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
Contact: Leeds City Council complaints team (visit their website for the current address)
FAQs
Can I claim against Leeds City Council for fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors?
Yes. Leeds City Council have a legal duty under Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 + Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If you've reported the problem and they've ignored you, you can claim compensation and force the repair. How much you could get depends on how long it went on, how serious it was, and any effect on your health.
How long do Leeds City Council have to fix fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors?
Under Awaab's Law, Leeds City Council must act within in scope from Phase 2 (2026) or Phase 3 (2027) of Awaab's Law, and already covered by Section 11 LTA 1985. If the problem is dangerous (24-hour emergency category), they must act immediately.
What if Leeds City Council have already inspected but done nothing?
An inspection alone doesn't satisfy Awaab's Law. The clock keeps ticking until the repair is done. Keep records of every inspection date and outcome.
Do I need a solicitor to claim against Leeds City Council?
You don't have to arrange one yourself. We offer a no-win-no-fee panel of SRA-regulated solicitors who can take it on. Second-largest council landlord in England. C2, no serious failings but opportunities to improve.
Related
Closing thought
Second-largest council landlord in England. C2, no serious failings but opportunities to improve. Being a large landlord does not excuse ignoring Awaab's Law. If your home is making you sick, we can help. Call 0800 030 4669 or start your claim online.
Start your claim