HMO Continued.

Posted: September 15, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

I spoke with the Fire Officer at the council and he adamant that HMO flats will have to have “Keyless Egress”. How this is achieved is up to the landlord, but mortice locks that are keyed on both sides are a complete no-no. He quotes Scottish Government guidelines to local authorities http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/49296/0120384.pdf   and Firelawscotland.org http://www.firelawscotland.org/files/SSAP-rev1a.pdf   . I asked him what the insurance companies were going to think about this , as many stipulate that locks must be to BS3621 etc. –  Basically his reply was that tenant safety is more important.

Not sure what you might need  – www.a1-lockman.co.uk

Edinburgh Council gets tough with HMO locks.

Posted: September 13, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A number of landlords have contacted me over the last week regarding locks on their HMO properties.
Until recently HMO licensing has been a bit vague regarding the type of locks required on final exit doors i.e. the main flat door. Many properties are fitted with conventional mortice locks that require a key to unlock them from inside. It appears the council are now starting to implement the requirement that the door must have what is called “keyless egress”. i.e. a thumbturn or a handle is all that is required to unlock the door. This will also apply to internal doors in flats e.g. bedroom doors (if fitted with locks).

I have today tried to speak to the council to get a definitive answer as to what is required. (and the implications regarding contents insurance). Unfortunately the person I need to speak to is not available today. Hopefull I will be able to get an answer tomorrow. WATCH THIS SPACE !