The Osterna Blog
The latest fire safety guidance from our accredited specialists
At Osterna, we provide expert fire safety guidance and compliance support to help you stay ahead of legislation. Browse our latest articles below - from risk assessment advice and regulation updates to practical guidance that makes compliance straightforward.
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How Often Do Landlords Need to Renew Their EPC?
Expired EPCs can delay lettings and create avoidable compliance issues, particularly across larger residential portfolios. This article explains when landlords need a new EPC, when early renewal may be worthwhile, and how planned assessments can keep certificates up to date.
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Who’s Responsible for the EPC – Landlord or Tenant?
Responsibility for obtaining and providing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) generally rests with the landlord. This article explains who pays for an EPC, who renews it, tenants’ responsibilities, and how landlords can maintain compliance with current EPC legislation.
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Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Positioned?
Correct positioning of smoke alarms is essential for reliable fire detection and occupant protection. This guide explains where alarms should be installed, where they should be avoided, the legislation and Building Regulations that influence alarm positioning, and common installation mistakes.
Featured Articles
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Are Fire Door Inspections a Legal Requirement?
Fire doors are one of the most commonly identified defects in residential fire safety inspections and can significantly undermine a building’s compartmentation strategy if left unchecked. This guide explains how often fire doors should be inspected, the legal requirements that apply, who is responsible for compliance, and how housing providers can develop an effective inspection programme across their portfolio.
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Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Fire risk assessments are a key part of residential fire safety compliance. Learn what UK legislation requires and what it means for managing agents and housing providers.
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When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required for Flats?
Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for many residential buildings. This guide explains when they apply to flats, what legislation governs them, and what compliance professionals need to know.
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Who Is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments in a Block of Flats?
Managing fire safety within flats involves clear legal responsibilities. This guide explains who the Responsible Person is and what current fire safety legislation requires.
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What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
Fire risk assessments are a key part of fire safety compliance within residential buildings. This guide explains what a fire risk assessment includes, why it matters, and what current legislation requires.
Fire Safety
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Smoke Alarm Regulations for Landlords
Smoke alarm regulations require landlords to install, test, and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in qualifying rental properties. This article explains the legal requirements, landlord responsibilities, smoke alarm testing, HMO considerations, and the differences between England and Scotland.
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How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected?
Routine fire extinguisher inspections help identify defects before they affect emergency response. This guide explains inspection frequencies, responsibilities, what to check, and how inspections support fire safety compliance.
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Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Explained: Inspection, Testing and Servicing
Fire extinguishers require more than annual servicing to remain effective in an emergency. This guide explains fire extinguisher maintenance requirements, including routine inspections, professional servicing, testing, legal responsibilities, and the role of BS 5306 in supporting fire safety compliance.
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Emergency Lighting Regulations: A Guide for UK Responsible Persons
Emergency lighting helps occupants evacuate safely when normal lighting fails, but many Responsible Persons are unsure which regulations apply. This guide explains UK emergency lighting legislation, the role of BS 5266, where emergency lighting is required, and how it supports wider fire safety compliance.
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Dry Riser Testing Regulations: What Building Owners Need to Know
Dry riser testing is essential for maintaining reliable firefighting systems within residential and commercial buildings. This guide explains the legislation and British Standards governing dry riser inspection and pressure testing, recommended testing frequencies, Responsible Person responsibilities, common defects, and how planned maintenance supports ongoing fire safety compliance.
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How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
Emergency lighting testing helps ensure escape routes remain illuminated during a fire or power failure. This guide explains the monthly and annual testing routine required under BS 5266, who’s responsible, and what the law expects from Responsible Persons.
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How Much Does Fire Extinguisher Inspection Cost?
Fire extinguisher inspection costs vary depending on the number of extinguishers, building complexity, servicing requirements, and reporting needs. This guide explains the factors that influence pricing, what’s included within a professional inspection service, and how to obtain an accurate quotation.
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Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist: What’s Included
A fire extinguisher inspection helps ensure portable firefighting equipment remains accessible, operational, and ready for use. This guide explains what a fire extinguisher inspection is, what’s included in a typical inspection checklist, and the key checks Responsible Persons should carry out as part of an effective fire safety maintenance programme.
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A Guide to HMO Fire Risk Assessment Requirements
Many HMO landlords understand they have fire safety responsibilities, but fewer are clear on exactly what the law requires. Misunderstanding those duties can lead to compliance issues, licensing problems, and increased risk to residents. This guide explains the fire risk assessment requirements that apply to HMOs and what landlords and managing agents need to do in practice.
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A Guide to Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords
Not every landlord needs a fire risk assessment, but misunderstanding where the legal duty applies can create significant compliance risks. Discover which properties require an assessment, the legislation involved, and what landlords need to do to meet their fire safety responsibilities.
