Fire Safety Regulations Every Holiday-Let Owner Should Know

1.The Legal Framework: Fire Safety Order

• Holiday lets fall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the Fire Safety Order). The order was updated on October 1, 2023, to improve fire safety in buildings.
• Under this law, as the “Responsible Person,” you must carry out a written fire risk assessment and put in place adequate preventive measures.
• Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly — for example, annually, or if there’s a change in layout or use.

2. Fire risk assessment: What to include

A robust fire risk assessment should:

• Identify fire hazards: areas where ignition might occur, like kitchens, heaters, or electrical equipment.
• Determine who is at risk, including vulnerable guests (children, elderly, or disabled people).
• Map escape routes: make sure that guests can evacuate safely.
• Specify fire safety measures: what alarms, detection systems, and equipment are needed.
• Set a maintenance and testing schedule for alarms, emergency lighting, and other fire-safety systems.

3. Smoke alarms and heat detectors

• In small holiday lets (e.g. cottages, chalets, flats), you’ll typically need an interlinked automatic fire detection and warning system (smoke and heat alarms) to BS 5839-6 standards.
• Where to install alarms:
  • Smoke alarms in hallways, corridors, staircases, living rooms, and bedrooms.
  • Heat alarms (or multi-sensor) in kitchens, utility rooms, or any space likely to trigger false alarms.
• Preferably, alarms should be mains powered with a battery backup (Grade D1 system) but can be wirelessly linked.
• Test alarms monthly, and keep a written record of tests and maintenance.

4. Escape routes & emergency planning

• Ensure clear and safe escape routes from all sleeping areas.
• Final exits should be practical: avoid complicated locks; simple thumb locks or night latches are highly recommended.
• For very small premises, emergency lighting may be simple (e.g., rechargeable torches) — but larger properties may need installed escape lighting.
• Provide guests with fire-escape information: draw a simple plan, and include instructions on what to do if there’s a fire.

5. Fire-fighting equipment

• While guests are not expected to fight fires, it’s still good practice to supply:
  • A fire blanket in the kitchen.
  • A small fire extinguisher, plus user instructions — but emphasise in your guest guide that evacuation is the priority.

6. Special considerations: vulnerable guests & hearing impairment

• If guests may include people with mobility or sensory impairments, your risk assessment should reflect their needs.
• For hearing-impaired guests, consider specialist smoke alarm systems (e.g., vibrating units or flashing-light alarms).

7. Additional hazards: Heating and smoking

• Heating systems (e.g., wood burners, log fires) need annual checks by a qualified engineer.
• Ensure guests know that your property has no-smoking policy.  Clearly display a sign to reduce risk.

8. Record-keeping & documentation

• Keep a written fire risk assessment (this is legally required).
• Maintain logs of testing and maintenance: alarms, lighting, fire equipment.
• Provide fire safety information to guests, e.g., in your welcome pack or house guide.

9. Compliance, insurance & consequences

• Non-compliance with fire safety law can lead to enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution.
• Insurance providers often require documented proof of fire safety compliance (risk assessments, alarm tests, etc.).
• Use a competent fire-risk assessor if you’re unsure: professionals can deliver a compliant report tailored to your layout.

Final Thoughts: Prioritising Fire Safety in Your Holiday Let

Fire safety isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s a critical part of protecting your guests, your property, and your reputation. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, installing suitable alarms and detection systems, maintaining them properly, and giving your guests clear instructions, you can run a safe, compliant, and trustworthy holiday-let business.

If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend downloading the GOV.UK guide “Making your small paying-guest accommodation safe from fire” and using it as your foundation.