If you run a holiday let, Airbnb, B&B, guest house, or short-term rental, fire safety is your legal responsibility. Many people think fire safety rules only apply to hotels, but if you charge guests to stay in your property and it is not being used as a private home, the law usually applies to you under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Even if guests only stay for one night, you must help keep them safe from fire.
This includes:
- Airbnb properties
- Holiday cottages
- Bed and breakfasts
- Guest houses
- Self-catering accommodation
- Short-term lets
- Holiday lodges and cabins
Do You Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
In short, yes. A fire risk assessment helps identify what could cause a fire, who is at risk, how people would escape, and what safety improvements are needed. As guests are unfamiliar with your property, fire safety is even more important in short-term lets. Your assessment should be written down and reviewed regularly, especially after changes such as renovations or a fire.
Main Considerations
Electrical Safety
Electrical faults are one of the biggest causes of fire. Make sure that the fixed wiring is checked every 5 years, referred to as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), appliances are safe and regularly inspected, sockets and cables are not damaged, and any extension leads are kept to a minimum.
Cooking
Kitchen fires are also common. You should keep cookers and appliances clean and service gas appliances every year. Clear and simple instructions should also be given to guests, with extractor filters cleaned regularly.
Smoking and Candles
Smoking is a major fire risk, and a clear policy should be in place in your property. The safest option is to inform guests that smoking is not permitted indoors. This should be reinforced with clear ‘No Smoking’ signs displayed in the property, with the option for an ashtray, should there be an outside space. You should also avoid candles and tea lights for guests, as these are a common cause of fires and can easily be misused and left unattended.
Smoke Alarms and Escape Routes
Most small guest properties need hardwired, interlinked smoke detection systems that include a heat detector in the kitchen. Escape routes should be kept clear of trip hazards, and guests should be able to leave quickly without needing keys to unlock exit doors from inside.
Fire Doors
Fire doors are an important part of keeping guests safe. Their job is simple: to slow down the spread of fire and smoke, giving guests more time to escape safely. In many small properties, solid, well-fitting doors may be acceptable, especially if they protect hallways, staircases, and escape routes. You do not automatically need to upgrade all the doors within your property. However, thin hollow doors or damaged doors usually do not provide enough protection and may need to be replaced with proper fire-resistant doors.
You should also make sure fire doors close properly, and information is provided to guests to keep doors closed at night, especially kitchen and lounge doors. In some cases, especially in flats or larger properties, self-closing fire doors may also be needed.
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers may be provided within the property; however, issues may arise with regard to training and any misuse. It is usually safer to evacuate a premises than expect guests to stay behind and tackle a fire themselves. A simple fire blanket may also be provided.
Fire Safety Information for Guests
An information pack should be available to guests informing them what they should do if a fire were to start and where the nearest exit is. This can be in the form of a Fire Action Notice and should detail how to call 999, along with the full property address.
Regular Fire Safety Checks
As a property owner, you should ensure that the fire safety systems within your property are tested regularly. This includes smoke alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire doors, and escape routes. Keeping records of checks helps show you are compliant.
Protect Your Guests and Your Business
Fire safety protects more than just your building. It protects your guests, your reputation, and your business.
The government has published official guidance for owners of small paying guest accommodation, including holiday lets, Airbnb’s, B&Bs, and guest houses. It covers fire risk assessments, smoke alarms, fire doors, escape routes, and your legal responsibilities under fire safety law. You can read the full guide here:
This is a useful starting point, but many property owners still benefit from a professional fire risk assessment to make sure their specific premises are fully compliant. If you are a property owner in need of a fire risk assessment, contact us today for a free quote and get the peace of mind your business needs.