Fire safety for timber-framed homes - Information for leaseholders

If you are an owner of a home affected by fire safety work required to timber-framed homes, we will have contacted you by letter to tell you what you need to do.

If you have not already responded to our letter, please contact us to: 

• confirm that you have received this letter
• confirm your contact details and the address of your property  
• discuss any concerns you may have about the work or the ability of anyone in your household to exit your home in the event of a fire
• register your interest in a drop in session
• let us know if you would like us to provide you with a smoke detector

If you have not been contacted by us, but think you have a timber-framed home, please contact us and we will be able to provide you with further information.

Email: TimberFrameHomes@barnet.gov.uk

Telephone: 0208 359 5348

Fire safety work on timber-framed homes

Following a fire in summer 2023 Barnet Council undertook inspections of a sample of properties. These properties were found to be at high risk of damage should a fire break out. To ensure the safety of residents living in the properties, essential safety works are required. Where properties are found to contain such a high risk from fire the council has a mandatory duty to ensure that work is completed to make the property safe.

These essential fire safety works will ensure residents are safer in the event of fire. Modern construction regulations ensure that different homes are separated from each other with fire resistant materials to reduce the likelihood of fire spread. The affected homes were built in terraces, and this work is necessary to ensure there is enough space between the homes to prevent fires from spreading. These homes include both private homes and homes owned by Barnet Council. 

Responsibility for the work

Barnet Council will survey the building and a plan of works and a specification will be drawn up. We will then obtain estimates for the works. 

If the costs involved are likely to be more than £250 per property, leaseholders will receive the relevant Section 20 consultation notice(s) which will provide them with information on the scope and reasons for the works and the estimated share of the cost of works.

If works are required then Barnet Homes will organise this and consult with leaseholders further.

Smoke and heat detectors

Battery powered smoke and heat detectors will be provided where needed to all affected homes at no charge. Residents can contact timberframeproperties@barnet.gov.uk or 0208 359 5348 to request this.

Who else should affected homeowners speak to

• We advise affected homeowners to contact their mortgage lender and buildings and contents insurance providers to inform them about these works.
• If homeowners are in the process of selling their homes, or planning to sell their home in the future, they should forward any information received from us onto their solicitors and prospective buyers. 
• We may be able to buy affected homes, subject to certain criteria. If homeowners are interested in exploring this option, they can contact the Acquisitions Team at Barnet Homes on 020 8359 2057, or email Acquisitions@Barnethomes.org.

Information about affected properties

Approximately 580 homes in the borough of Barnet are affected by the fire safety work required to timber-framed homes. This is a combination of council owned properties and properties owned by Housing Associations and private homeowners.

The properties affected were built between the 1930s and 1960s, using four different types of construction. All of the properties are constructed using a solid masonry separating wall between houses which is then supplemented with a front and rear elevation in timber with a cladding material affixed. This cladding generally spans the terrace. The council is not aware of the exact date that the cladding was installed, but believe it was during the late 1980s.

Documents delivered to affected residents

For reference, documents sent to affected homeowners can be found below. This section will be updated as more information is shared.

• 1st March - Letter to leaseholders (ODT, 146 KB)
• 1st March - FAQ document for leaseholders (ODT, 140 KB)

ECO4 Scheme grants for energy-saving measures

The ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation, phase 4) offers free grants for energy-saving measures like insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations like solar panels and heat pumps. It aims to help reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and combat fuel poverty.

For more information and how to apply, visit the UK Energy Support website.

Contact us

Barnet Homes and Barnet Council will work closely with owners and residents to ensure that works can take place as smoothly as possible. Barnet Homes will have a dedicated project manager who will be the first point of contact for owners and residents. Residents will be kept informed through written and digital communication, and Barnet Council will host in-person sessions to discuss any questions or concerns residents may have.

If you wish to contact us to discuss any part of this issue, you can do so by email, or telephone between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm:

Email: TimberFrameHomes@barnet.gov.uk

Telephone: 0208 359 5348