AS THE Grenfell Tower Disaster remains standing in the public memory a new fire safety course will be offered to landlords.

The free online voluntary course will aim to increase landlords’ fire safety knowledge and make them aware of their legal obligations to ensure their tenants and properties are protected from the potentially devastating effects of fire.

Rent Smart Wales (RSW), the registration and licensing authority for all landlords and agents with property in Wales has led the course design and provision in conjunction with Wales’ three fire authorities North, Mid and West, and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The course is the first to be offered under the RSW’s ‘Continuing Professional Development’ scheme for landlords and will provide more in-depth information on fire safety than the basic responsibilities taught in the current mandatory training in Wales. The new course will cover nine topics including general landlord duties, fire safety, gas safety, electrical safety and furniture and furnishings safety.

Paul Scott, head of business fire safety for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s so important that everyone is aware of their fire safety responsibilities – we all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe.

“By supporting the development of this free and easy to access course we hope that landlords will take the time to learn more about how to provide the safest level of accommodation possible, in turn helping to protect the residents of our region.”

The course will also includes information about fire safety in Houses of Multiple Occupation, fire safety equipment and risk assessments.

Landlords must complete a short assessment at the end of the course to pass and the result forms part of their training record.