Tenants and renters in England have the right to live in properties where emergency escape routes are kept clear, safe and accessible. Landlords must make sure access from flats and common parts is not obstructed, that doors open easily during an evacuation, and that any fire-safety information or signage provided remains legible. If you spot locked corridors, blocked stairways, or broken emergency lighting, raise the issue with your landlord or managing agent in writing and keep copies. If the problem is not fixed promptly you can report it to your local council and, if necessary, seek a remedy through the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). This page explains practical steps you can take, relevant laws and official forms, and where to find help.
Landlord responsibilities for emergency escape routes
Landlords and responsible persons must ensure emergency escape routes are safe and unobstructed. In shared buildings this includes the common parts and means of escape; the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order places duties on those responsible for communal safety in many residential setups[1]. Landlords also have repair and fitness obligations under landlord and housing legislation such as the Housing Act 1988 and Rent Act 1977.
- Ensure common corridors and stairways are kept clear and meet fire safety standards.
- Repair or replace doors, emergency lighting and other safety equipment that prevent safe evacuation.
- Provide clear signage and written fire instructions where needed.
- Respond to tenant reports promptly and keep records of contact and remedial action.
What to do if an escape route is blocked or unsafe
If you discover a blocked corridor, locked emergency door, or broken lighting, act quickly. First raise the issue with your landlord or managing agent in writing, describe the exact location and hazard, and request remedial action within a reasonable timescale. If the landlord does not act you can report the danger to your local council's housing or environmental health team.
If informal approaches and council reporting do not resolve the issue, you can pursue a legal remedy. Tenants can apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for orders in some tenancy disputes and to enforce certain obligations; see the tribunal guidance for how to apply and what evidence is needed. First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[3]
Official forms and when to use them
Below are official sources and forms tenants should know about and how they are used in practice.
- Form 6A (Section 21 notice): the prescribed notice used by some landlords to end an assured shorthold tenancy in specific circumstances — tenants may need to check whether a landlord's Section 21 is valid when disputes arise; see the official GOV.UK guidance and the Form 6A template for exact requirements. Form 6A (Section 21)
- Local council reporting forms: when a landlord fails to act on a blocked escape route you can use your council's housing enforcement or environmental health complaint form to report a serious safety hazard; councils vary, so use your local authority's official reporting page.
How-To
- Put the problem in writing to your landlord, describing location, hazard and a reasonable deadline for repair.
- Gather evidence: take dated photos, save messages, keep a log of incidents and any replies.
- Contact your local council's housing enforcement or environmental health team to report the hazard if the landlord does not act.
- If unresolved, apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or seek legal advice and include all evidence and copies of your written requests.
FAQ
- Who enforces emergency escape route standards in residential buildings?
- Enforcement can involve multiple bodies: the local fire and rescue service for certain fire-safety enforcement, local councils for housing standards and environmental health, and the courts or tribunals for legal remedies.
- Can my landlord lock a communal stair or corridor?
- No; landlords must not block or lock escape routes in a way that stops safe evacuation. If this happens report it to your landlord in writing and to your council if it is not fixed promptly.
- What legislation covers landlord duties about habitability and safety?
- Key legislation includes the Housing Act 1988 and Rent Act 1977 for tenancy law, and fire-safety duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in relevant buildings.
Key Takeaways
- Keep escape routes clear and report hazards in writing immediately.
- Gather and preserve evidence: photos, dates and copies of communications.
- Use council enforcement and, if needed, the First‑tier Tribunal to seek remedies.
Help and Support / Resources
- Fire safety guidance (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005)
- Form 6A (Section 21) on GOV.UK
- First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance
