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More than 20 HMOs in and around Durham City have been flagged over potential fire safety concerns.
City of Durham Parish Council said a review of publicly available plans and records had identified properties where it believes basic fire safety standards may not have been met.
This includes bedrooms opening directly onto kitchens, stairs without protected escape routes, missing fire doors or escape windows and basement accommodation without an acceptable way out.
Durham County Council said it was reviewing the information and working with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to consider what further action may be needed.
City of Durham Parish Councillor Roger Cornwell said: “Students and their families are entitled to know that a shared house has a safe way out if a fire breaks out.
“Our investigation has found repeated warning signs across more than 20 properties. Each case now needs a proper inspection, with urgent action wherever residents are at risk.”
Cllr Roger Cornwell speaking about fire concerns. (Image: CITY OF DURHAM PARISH COUNCIL)
The parish council has also renewed its call for an additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Durham City.
HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households are generally subject to mandatory licensing, while smaller HMOs are not.
The parish council believes an additional licensing scheme would provide greater oversight of those smaller shared homes.
Cllr Cornwell added: “I raised these concerns with landlords at the University’s Annual Housing Review because fire safety must be treated as a priority across Durham’s student housing.
“We are asking the Chief Fire Officer and Durham County Council to investigate the properties we have identified, and we continue to call for additional HMO licensing so that smaller shared homes receive effective oversight.”
Durham University has committed to supporting the parish council with its work on fire safety across the HMO sector in the city.
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s acting head of community protection, said: “We appreciate City of Durham Parish Council’s concerns over houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the city and we take concerns regarding fire safety in these properties very seriously.
“We are currently reviewing the information provided by the parish council and we are working with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFS) while we consider what further action may be needed for these properties.”
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He stressed that information in public records may not necessarily show a property's current condition.
“This information needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis before any decision is taken as to what further action, if any, is needed," Mr Cleugh said.
He added that smaller HMOs which do not require a mandatory licence still fall within the council's housing enforcement responsibilities.
Mr Cleugh said: “We will continue to work closely with CDDFS and other partners to ensure tenant safety and take appropriate action where it is needed.”