More than half of buy to let landlords have taken measures to check the fire safety of their properties in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, suggests a new survey.

Out of some 500 private landlords questioned, 32 per cent had checked their fire alarms and 15 per cent had instructed a professional to carry out a fire risk assessment.

Landlords of houses in multiple occupancy and flats were amongst the most proactive over the last four weeks, with fire alarm checks being conducted in 50 per cent of HMO properties and 35 per cent of flats. These properties also saw a higher than average number of professional checks, with 39 per cent of HMO and 22 per cent of flats being visited for professional assessments.

Other measures taken by landlords included checking construction materials and contacting the freeholder regarding fire safety checks. Some 17 per cent of landlords also said that they had installed a carbon monoxide alarm.

The survey was carried out on behalf of Simple Landlords Insurance.