Safety checks

By law we have to carry out annual gas safety checks and five-yearly electrical safety checks in the homes we rent. 
We also have to carry out portable appliance (or PAT) tests on any electrical equipment we’ve provided as part of your tenancy. See ‘Electrical equipment and PAT tests’ for more information.

These checks allow us to identify and fix potential problems, so it’s vital that you give our engineers access.

If you live in a block that is 11 metres (five storeys) or higher, we also have to carry out annual checks on flat doors, whether you rent or own your home. See ‘Fire doors’ or visit our fire door web page for more information.

If you have a balcony, please remember that it’s part of a block and what you do or keep on it affects your neighbours.

To keep everyone safe:

• Don’t store combustible items on your balcony (e.g., electrical goods, e‑bikes/e‑scooters, heaters, rubbish, gas canisters).

• BBQs are not permitted on balconies.

• Smoking on balconies can be dangerous — always extinguish cigarettes properly and never throw them over the side.

• Keep balcony furniture away from railings and never stand on it.

Balconies are not safe places to have a BBQ. If you want to have a BBQ outside, keep it well away from buildings.

• Always let the BBQ cool down fully before bringing it indoors.

• Keep an eye on children and pets.

• If you drink alcohol, stay alert and take care.

Find more tips on The London Fire Brigade website.

It’s important to keep all communal areas (corridors, foyers, stairwells, walkways) clear of any obstructions. 
Any item, big or small, can delay escape or emergency services.

• Keep all personal belongings or rubbish inside your home.

• Service cupboards (e.g., electrical intake or risers) must not be opened or used for storage.

• If you use a bin store, close and lock the door afterwards. Report any faults to us.

More fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home.

• Don’t leave pans unattended.

• When finished cooking, check everything is off.

• Keep tea towels away from the hob.

• Don’t cook when tired or after drinking alcohol.

See more guidance on the London Fire Brigade website.

Whether you own or rent, there should be a smoke or heat detector on each floor.

• We install detectors in rented homes but you need to test them regularly (press the test button).

• If it makes no sound or beeps intermittently, replace the batteries.

Incidents involving e‑bikes and e‑scooters are rising.

• Never leave them in communal areas (they’ll be removed and you’ll be liable for costs).

• Don’t store them near the entrance or escape routes.

• Only use official batteries and chargers that meet UK standards.

• Never modify the battery or charger.

• Unplug as soon as charging is complete — never charge overnight.

• Make sure there’s a working smoke alarm in the charging area.

More information is available on the National Fire Chief Council website.

Tips for keeping safe:

• If we contact you about a PAT test, please allow access.

• Make sure electrical appliances have a British or EU safety mark.

• Keep to one plug per socket.

• Don’t overload adaptors.

• Switch off plugs at night.

Lithium batteries (used in e‑bikes/e‑scooters) are one of the fastest‑growing fire risks.

• Fires spread very quickly — never block exits with batteries or devices.

• These fires release toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.