I have recently moved into a self contained ground floor flat in a Victorian house converted into flats in the 70s. Flats 2 and 3 have their own passageway and front door with communal area behind. I cannot access this area as I am disabled but also because there is nothing of mine there. There are three flat owners who share the freehold and leasehold. The top two flats are rented out. Flat 2 may be an hMO put in place before I arrived contravening the lease and which was hidden from me before I bought my flat. The council are saying we are all responsible to put in a joined alarm system . Is this my responsibility or that of the landlords?

 

You need to find out which legislation is being enforced, is it The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or the The Housing Act 2004 and why. I would contact a solicitor specialising in fire safety, but depending on the terms of your lease you could be required to contribute to the cost of such work.