Every landlord has a duty of care to ensure the safety of their tenants. As part of these responsibilities, one major safety concern that cannot be neglected is protecting tenants from fire hazards.

A fire in a rental property can have devastating consequences, and landlords who neglect fire safety not only risk the safety and well-being of their tenants, but could also face potential legal repercussions.

The good news for landlords is that taking proactive measures to keep your properties fire safe is relatively straightforward with adequate planning and regular attention.

Here, we discuss some essential steps you can take as a proactive and conscientious landlord to prioritise fire safety across your rental properties to protect your tenants.

We also discuss the merits of Landlord Insurance, which provides a vital safety net for protecting your financial interests against the potential risk of fire damage.

Landlord convicted of violating fire safety laws

Most landlords will be only too aware of their ongoing fire safety obligations. However, a recent court case in the north of England serves as a timely reminder of the stakes involved when these responsibilities aren’t maintained.

Sheffield landlord, Zahir Ahmed, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and 250 hours of community service in June. This was after he pleaded guilty to six counts of failing to comply with articles under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2002, according to coverage in the Sheffield Star.

A fire at one of Mr Ahmed’s properties in February 2022 required local firefighters to rescue 11 people trapped inside the building. The incident highlighted multiple fire safety issues, including a shortage of fire alarms, fire doors and emergency lighting. A firefighter was also injured during the rescue due to a collapsed staircase.

Fire safety regulations for landlords

Fire safety regulations exist to protect tenants and ensure properties meet minimum safety standards. Failing to comply with regulations can result in hefty fines, court proceedings and potential prison time in the worst cases.

As a landlord, you should familiarise yourself with key fire safety regulations, including (but not limited to):

Landlord fire safety responsibilities

Here’s a quick rundown of the key fire safety responsibilities for landlords:

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

By law, landlords must install and maintain working smoke alarms on every floor of a rental property. Carbon monoxide alarms should also be provided in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.

Landlords must also ensure that alarms are repaired or replaced when informed and found to be faulty. This guidance from GOV.UK provides more details regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Fire escape routes

Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure tenants have access to safe and reliable escape routes from every floor and room at all times. Tenants should also be made aware of what to do in an emergency to ensure a swift exit.

The rules around houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are more stringent because they’re often large, have more people living there, and can be harder to get out of. Check your responsibilities with your licensing local authority.

Fire safe furniture and furnishings

Landlords of furnished properties must ensure that the furniture and furnishings they provide comply with fire safety standards and are made from fire-resistant materials. Inspect the manufacturer’s label for these details.

Electrical safety checks

Landlords of private rental properties must ensure electrical installations, such as sockets and wiring, are inspected and tested by a fully qualified and competent person at least every five years.

Existing tenants should be given a copy of the electrical safety report within 28 days of the inspection and testing.

Meanwhile, new tenants should be provided a copy of the report before they occupy the premises.

Gas safety checks

By law, any gas appliances should be safely installed and maintained by a Gas Safe engineer. Annual gas safety checks of all appliances and flues should also be carried out by a registered engineer.

Again, a copy of the gas safety certificate (also known as a ‘landlord’s gas safety record’) must be supplied to the tenant before they move into the property or within 28 days for existing tenants.

Fire doors and fire extinguishers (HMOs)

In large HMOs, fire extinguishers and fire doors that compartmentalise the building and slow the spread of fire are mandatory. Although, you should check the specific rules in your area with your local authority.

The power of a fire risk assessment

A landlord fire risk assessment is a crucial step in ensuring fire safety. It involves a thorough inspection of the property to identify potential fire hazards, assess escape routes, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

Think of it as a roadmap for creating a fire-safe environment for your tenants. This assessment should consider common fire hazards like faulty electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, and improper storage of flammable materials.

There’s no mandatory method for fire risk assessments. You can either carry it out yourself if you have the capabilities or you can use a recognised third-party fire risk assessment provider.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) recommends reviewing your fire risk assessment every two years and updating it every four years. That should be revised to an annual review and three-yearly updates for older buildings or those over three storeys high.

Fire risk assessments are now a legal requirement for landlords of certain properties that aren’t a single private dwelling. For instance, HMOs, purpose-built and converted flats, and flats above commercial premises.

Find out more about these regulatory changes and your potential responsibilities at GOV.UK.

Proactive fire safety is key

By taking fire safety seriously and implementing measures like those above, you can reduce the risk of fire in your properties. Proactive fire safety measures not only protect your tenants, but also safeguard your investment.

Conduct regular fire risk assessments, utilise a comprehensive fire safety checklist, and prioritise clear communication with your tenants. This is one area that landlords cannot afford to neglect or get wrong.

Tenant safety comes first at all costs. The secondary concern for landlords is the material damage that a fire can wreak on your rental property. The cost of repair work can be a significant burden for private landlords.

Landlord Insurance can help shoulder that burden, providing a financial safety net should your property incur fire damage. Get an instant online quote or contact us directly on 01325 346328 to discuss your requirements.

How landlords can keep tenants and properties fire safe