What Are The Fire Safety Regulations for Landlords?

Read our simple introductory guide to the key fire safety regulations UK landlords need to consider when renting out their properties.

Fire safety precautions for UK landlords regarding electricity

Regarding electrical safety checks, landlords must follow the 2020 Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. A landlord is potentially liable if a tenant suffers injury or death due to an electrical defect on work carried out on behalf of the landlord.

The regulations require landlords to have property electrics checked at least every five years by a qualified professional. They must meet standards and landlords must give their tenants proof of this within 28 days of the test.

Landlords must also ensure:

• Supply a copy of electrical safety reports to new tenants before they move in
• Supply a copy of electrical safety reports to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request
• Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy.
• Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
• Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.
• Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works.

Fire alarm safety regulations for UK landlords

Since 2015, UK landlords have been required by law to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in their rental properties.

Carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in all rooms containing any appliance that burns or is designed to burn solid fuel. Smoke alarms must be fitted on every storey of the property which is used as living space (e.g. potentially not an attic, if it is not used as living space). These alarms should be tested regularly.

Additionally, all properties built after 1992 have been required to feature mains operated inter-connected smoke alarms on every level of the property.

Note: Failure to fit alarms can result in a civil penalty of up to £5,000.

Is it compulsory in fire safety regulations for landlords to provide fire extinguishers?

In a single household property, landlords are not required to provide fire extinguishers or fire blankets. However, landlords of houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs), are required to provide fire blankets in all kitchen areas and at least one fire extinguisher for each storey of the property.

To meet fire safety regulations do landlords need to employ a specialist engineer for gas work?

It is strongly recommended that you check that any engineer carrying out gas work is a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Fire safety precautions for UK landlords regarding gas

Gas safety checks must be carried out within 12 months of the installation of any new appliance or flue which you provide and annually thereafter by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. A record of each safety check must be filed for two years and a copy of this record must be issued to each tenant within 28 days of the check.  

The only time this rule does not apply is: if your tenants’ lease is for longer than seven years and is for life. In which case, as the landlord, you are responsible for gas safety checks and maintenance. Any gas appliance that you own and provide for your tenants' use is your legal responsibility. If a tenant has their own gas appliance that you have not provided, then you have responsibilities only for parts of the associated installation and pipework but not for the actual appliance.

Understanding fire safety regulations for landlords

Explain the purpose and significance of fire safety regulations for rental properties.
Briefly describe the history and evolution of these regulations.

Legal Framework

Discuss the primary legislation and regulations governing fire safety for landlords, such as the Housing Act and Fire Safety Order.
Explain how these laws apply to different types of rental properties.

Fire Safety Responsibilities of Landlords

Outline the specific responsibilities that landlords have under fire safety regulations.
Include information on risk assessments, safety equipment, and maintenance.

Fire Safety Measures

Detail the essential fire safety measures that landlords must implement, including smoke alarms, fire doors, and escape routes.
Provide guidance on the installation, testing, and maintenance of these measures.

Tenant Education

Emphasize the importance of educating tenants about fire safety.
Suggest ways landlords can effectively communicate fire safety guidelines to their tenants.

Enforcement and Penalties

Explain the consequences of failing to comply with fire safety regulations.
Discuss potential penalties and legal actions that landlords may face for non-compliance.

Conclusion

Summarize the key takeaways from the article. Reiterate the importance of compliance with fire safety regulations for landlords.

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About the author

Alison Wild BCom (Hons), MAAT, MATT, Taxation Technician is a highly respected industry professional who has been working with and advising SMEs in areas including tax, pensions, insurance and marketing for over 25 years. She is a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) and also has 20 years' experience as a residential landlord.