Do I Need to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment for My Holiday Let?

Yes, it is a legal requirement to conduct a fire risk assessment for any accommodation that provides lodging for paying guests. This mandate was established under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which came into effect in October 2006. This requirement encompasses all forms of short-term rental accommodations, including Airbnb properties, self-catering flats, apartments, houses, cottages, and caravans.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies specifically to England and Wales.

Fire Safety Legislation Outside of England and Wales

In Scotland, the applicable legislation includes the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 . In Northern Ireland, the relevant law is the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 .

What Are Your Responsibilities?

Your responsibilities include the following:

Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment: This assessment identifies the necessary fire safety measures to ensure the safety of your guests.
Address Identified Risks: Act on any risks or hazards identified during the assessment.
Regular Reviews: Review your fire risk assessment regularly and whenever significant changes occur, such as adding guest bedrooms or altering the property layout. The fire service recommends an annual review.
Maintain Equipment: Ensure that all fire safety equipment, including fire alarm systems, gas appliances, electrical appliances, and emergency lighting systems, are regularly serviced and tested.
Keep Records: Maintain documentation of all testing and maintenance activities.

Compliance with fire safety laws is not just advisable; it is a legal obligation.

Fire Service Expectations

The fire service is responsible for enforcing the fire safety order and will inspect holiday let accommodations. They will expect the following:

An appropriate fire detection and warning system tailored to the size and type of premises.
Measures to ensure visibility of escape routes in case of mains lighting failure.
Clearly defined escape routes that are free of obstructions.
Doors on escape routes, including bedroom doors and final exit doors, should be easily operable without a key.
Self-closing solid timber internal doors where distances are less than 12 meters to protect escape routes and separate high fire risk rooms. Fire doors are required for longer travel distances.
Information for guests on procedures to follow in the event of a fire or alarm activation.
Evidence of regular testing and maintenance of fire safety equipment.
Multi-purpose fire extinguishers on each floor and a fire blanket in the kitchen.
Fire exit signs indicating alternative escape routes.
Well-maintained chimneys and wood-burning stoves.

Can I Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment Myself?

Yes, if you possess the necessary knowledge, experience, and understanding of fire safety. However, the fire service strongly recommends hiring an accredited fire risk assessor to ensure compliance. Failure to meet the required standards may result in enforcement action, prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.

Help with Your Holiday Let Fire Regulations

If you need assistance with your fire risk assessment, we are here to help. Our team consists of qualified and accredited fire risk assessors who will provide you with a thorough and compliant assessment for your holiday let.

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Holiday Let Fire Regulations