Fire safety for timber-framed homes - Information for tenants

If you are a tenant 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. Barnet Council has written to the owners of affected properties with advice on how to remedy this problem. If you are renting the property the remedial works will be arranged via your landlord.

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 has written to the owners of affected properties with advice on how to remedy this problem. If you are renting the property, the remedial works will be arranged via your landlord.

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 tenants speak to

Affected tenants are advised to contact their insurance providers to make them aware of the situation.

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, you can find copies of letters and other information sent to affected residents below. This section will be updated as more information is shared.

Documents for private tenants:

Documents for tenants of leaseholders:

Documents for tenants of housing associations:

Contact us

Tenants should speak to their landlord in the first instance.

Barnet Homes and Barnet Council will work closely with owners and residents to ensure that works can take place as smoothly as possible, where requested to by the landlord of the property. 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: