Housing Act 1985

365Means of escape from fire; general provisions as to exercise powers.

(1)If it appears to the local housing authority that a house in multiple occupation is not provided with such means of escape from fire as the authority consider necessary, the authority may exercise such of their powers under—

  • section 366 (power to require execution of works), and

  • section 368 (power to secure that part of house not used for human habitation),

as appear to them to be most appropriate.

(2)The authority shall so exercise those powers if the house is of such description or is occupied in such manner as the Secretary of State may specify by order.

(3)Before serving a notice under section 366 or accepting an undertaking or making a closing order under section 368, the local housing authority shall consult with the fire authority concerned.

(4)An order under subsection (2)—

(a)may make different provision with respect to different cases or descriptions of case, including different provision for different areas, and

(b)shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.