Is it now a legal requirment to put a fire wall in a terraced loft where loft spaces are undivided?

Question

Europe missy.

Answer 1

If it isn't it ought to be.  Fire spreads quickly through terraced houses.  I think you need to check with the local authority but it would be a good idea to put one in anyway.

Answer 2

I am amazed there are any left .Speak to fire prevention first , that used to be a reason for demolition .

Answer 3

I thought most people would have done it for practical reasons. If it becomes law, and you live in council property, surely it is the governments responsibility to pay for it. If it is your property, then it just makes sense. But I have never heard of it becomming law.

Answer 4

well i they are the council dont help my parents they live in a terrace and they live next to a restaurant and their are no fire walls put up atall dangerous id say and easy for theifs to to come up their loft hatch and come down yours when your ouy .

Answer 5

In the UK it is generally NOT a legal requirement to put a fire wall in an existing loft between houses, although it has been law to separate buildings to stop fire spread for a number of years (since 1667...)

It may affect your house insurance if this separation is not in place, as it greatly increases your risk from fire and smoke damage from adjacent houses.  It may also make sale of a property difficult if the surveyor and/or solicitor don't really know what they're doing, which is surprisingly common.

My advice would be to fork out and get the fire wall installed for your own safety, and to save any idiot neighbours from burning your house down by their carelessness :)

Answer 6

Yes.  If it's picked up by a thorough solicitor on conveyancing - you'll have to get it sorted.  Your neighbour should really go halves.

ps Independence for England? Independant from what?! lol

Answer 7

only on new build or where major changes 9loft conversions/full refurbs take place in older properties.

your insurance might insist on at least a fire curtain, and of course communal lofts are a security risk...