As a landlord or agent, staying compliant with fire safety regulations and ensuring the safety of your tenants and property isn’t just good practice, it is a legal requirement. From understanding the latest smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations to identifying common causes of fires in rental properties and the life-saving importance of fire risk assessments, landlords have a duty to manage responsibilities concerning fire safety in their rental properties with upmost priority.
Whether you are a seasoned landlord or new to the private rental sector, it is crucial you have a comprehensive understanding of the latest fire safety requirements in order to implement effective measures. This guide will walk you through the key regulations, actionable steps, and practical tips to help you maintain a compliant and well-protected rental property.
What are the current Fire Safety Requirements?
As outlined by GOV UK, to comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 act, landlords must:
- Provide one working smoke alarm on each floor of their property
- Provide one working carbon monoxide alarm in any room which contains a fixed combustion appliance (not including gas cookers)
- Alarms that are found faulty must also be repaired or replaced as soon as they are informed
Landlords who fail to comply with the above could face a fine of up to £5,000.
Furthermore, landlords are legally responsible for the following:
- Ensuring tenants have access to escape routes at all times, on every floor and in every room of a property
- Furniture and furnishings in a property must be made of fire-resistant materials and meet fire safety standards in order to comply with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, which can be recognised through the permanent FFR label displayed on upholstered items
- Being vigilant when purchasing electrical appliances and making sure they have the correct safety certifications and keeping portable appliance testing (PAT tests) up to date
- As per the advice of the London Fire Brigade, equipping fire blankets and an additional heat detector in kitchens are also recommended as good practice
- Annual gas safety checks
- Providing fire alarms and extinguishers if the property is a large house in multiple occupation (HMO)
- Completing fire risk assessments on rental properties
The usual fire safety guidance and rules for landlords also apply to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). However, additional rules can vary between local councils so it is always recommended to stay up to date with the regulations outlined by your local authority.
Top 3 causes of fires in rental properties:
NRLA reports that the top three causes of fires leading to insurance claims in the five year period up to November 2023 were:
- Electrical – accounting for 28% of all fire claims
- Cooking – which accounted for 14% of all fire claims
- Arson – also accounting for 14% of all fire claims
Fire Risk Assessments and how they can help prevent disaster
As of October 2023, new rules were put into place making Fire Risk Assessments a legal requirement if you are responsible for a building that isn’t a single private dwelling.
The NRLA emphasise that assessments are best practice in all properties, recommending they are reviewed every two years and updated every four years for buildings under 3 storeys.
There is no current standard method for conducting a fire risk assessment but help and advice can be sought through your local fire services.
At Eclipse Inventories, our inventory clerks also play a crucial role in ensuring that rental properties remain compliant by acting with a duty of care during property inspections. As part of our responsibilities, we will assess the following:
- Smoke detectors
- Heat detectors
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Any health and safety issues or hazards found in a property will be recognised and immediately flagged to the agent or landlord
To assist with this process, schedule of conditions are supplied electronically to agents as soon as a job is complete and our clerks carry spare alarms so they can be replaced when a property is found to not comply (by agreement with the property manager).
Be confident your rental property meets fire safety standards
Fire safety is a shared responsibility between landlords and tenants. By remaining compliant with legal requirements and following the recommended advice, landlords can protect their property and tenants effectively and successfully.
When was the last time you conducted a Fire Risk Assessment on your property? Act now, it could save lives.
For further information about any of our inventory services, get in touch with us today. To keep up to date with tips and information about the private rental sector and London lettings market, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.