Martyn鈥檚 Law: New Security Duties for Rental Living & BTR
Martyn鈥檚 Law (also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill) will impose new legal requirements on venues, public spaces, and businesses to improve preparedness against terrorist threats. For the BTR (Build to Rent) and Rental Living sector in the UK, this means significant new responsibilities, particularly for developments with shared amenities and public-facing spaces.
Key Steps for BTR & Rental Living to Prepare for Martyn鈥檚 Law
1. Identify Whether Your Development is Affected
Martyn鈥檚 Law applies to premises with public access, categorized into:
- Standard Tier (100-799 capacity)听鈥� Basic security measures required
- Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity)听鈥� More rigorous security requirements
For BTR and Rental Living:
- Developments with publicly accessible amenities听(lounges, co-working spaces, gyms, events) may be affected.
- If you host public events, the law will apply.
- Standard residential buildings without public access areas听may not be affected.
馃憠听Action:听Audit your spaces听to determine if your development qualifies under Martyn鈥檚 Law.
2. Conduct a Risk Assessment & Security Plan
- Identify Vulnerabilities: Assess potential risks in public areas (lobbies, entranceways, communal spaces).
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop evacuation and lockdown procedures听for different threat levels.
- Physical Security Upgrades: Consider access control, CCTV, and security barriers听where needed.
馃憠听Action:听Work with a security consultant听to create a legally compliant risk assessment and action plan.
3. Staff Training & Incident Response Plans
- Train onsite staff听(concierge, security, maintenance) to recognize suspicious behaviour.
- Develop clear protocols听for reporting threats and managing evacuations.
- Run regular security drills听with staff and tenants.
馃憠听Action:听Schedule training sessions听for all frontline staff and ensure emergency plans are well communicated.
4. Collaborate with Local Authorities & Emergency Services
- Establish direct contact with counter-terrorism officers听for advice.
- Join local resilience forums听for industry best practices.
- Ensure cooperation with police & emergency services听in case of an incident.
馃憠听Action:听Engage with local security networks听to align your security strategy with best practices.
5. Communicate with Tenants & Residents
- Inform residents听about new security policies and procedures.
- Encourage tenant participation in emergency drills听where applicable.
- Provide clear guidance on reporting suspicious activity.
馃憠听Action:听Create tenant-friendly security awareness materials听and distribute them in digital & physical formats.
6. Review Insurance & Liability
- Ensure your insurance policies听cover new security risks.
- Understand legal obligations听and potential liabilities under Martyn鈥檚 Law.
- Work with legal advisors to update lease agreements if necessary.
馃憠听Action:听Consult your insurance provider & legal team听to minimize risks.
7. Plan for Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain detailed security records听to prove compliance.
- Regularly update security plans听based on evolving threats.
- Be prepared for inspections and enforcement听under Martyn鈥檚 Law.
馃憠听Action:听Appoint a compliance officer听or security lead听to oversee implementation.
Conclusion
Martyn鈥檚 Law will introduce new legal duties, and the BTR sector must proactively prepare听by identifying risk areas, training staff, collaborating with authorities, and improving security measures. Developers and operators who take early action will be better positioned to ensure compliance and protect their residents.