Hi All, I would appreciate views on the following: What you expect communal attic areas within residential accommodation (i.e. within purpose built housing blocks and conversions) to be compartmented by fire resisting structures from the attic spaces above the private dwellings? My view is that they should, in order to reduce fire spread throughout the roof void to/from the communal area. However, would I be right in thinking that structural upgrades of buildings in this manner at older buildings can not be insisted upon as the building regs are not retrospective? What would your opinons be if 1 hours horizontal fire separation is in place between the ceilings of the private dwellings and the attic areas, and the residents had no hatches between their flats and the attic. I can't find a referrence to this issue in the relevant guidance for sleeping accommodation etc so I would appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. Many Thanks,

It would be something that i would recommend to be installed in between the private dwellings there are a lot of fire resistant curtains on the market that can be easily installed in the loft space which offer 1hr+ fire protection. Which will probably be easier to install than trying to upgrade the ceilings in the private dwellings as it doesn't require and installation the premises or re-decoration so would be cheaper and quicker. Not sure on the retrospective front but nothing says you can't work to best practice and work to meet current legislation. i thought most insurance/ mortgage companies wouldn't insure or mortgage properties that don't have fire separation in the loft space of a joining properties? Phil

There may not be a Landlord.