Fire Safety for Holiday Lets: What You Need to Know
If you own a holiday let, then keeping your guests safe isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s now the law. With new fire safety for holiday lets guidance landing in October 2023, it’s time to make sure your property is up to scratch! Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Fire Safety: What’s New?
All holiday lets now require a fire risk assessment, whether big or small, rented all year or just a few weekends.
You must also have fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and clear escape routes to be compliant.
As well as making sure that you have a solid fire safety plan (including guest info, staff training & regular maintenance).
Not following the rules? Then expect hefty fines, legal trouble, and potential insurance nightmares.
Fire Safety for Holiday Lets: The Key Rules
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 covers all holiday lets in England & Wales, from cosy cottages to beachside apartments, to full-blown mansions.
So, what’s your role as a holiday let owner? Well it’s fairly straightforward really – your role is to prevent fires where possible and make sure guests can escape safely if one breaks out.
What Are The Consequences Of Non-Compliance?
Big fines—ignoring fire safety rules can be costly.
Legal action—serious breaches could mean criminal charges.
Insurance nightmares—non-compliance might invalidate your policy, leaving you high and dry when you need cover most.
Good news? Being on top of fire safety for holiday lets builds trust with guests and gets you more booking, which is a win-win.
What You NEED to Do for Fire Safety Compliance
Step 1: Fire Risk Assessment – It’s Non-Negotiable
This is the foundation of fire safety for holiday lets. No box-ticking exercise—this needs to be done properly (and updated regularly).
How to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment:
Identify hazards—loose wiring, dodgy heaters, overloaded plug sockets? Sort them!
Evaluate risk—what’s the likelihood of a fire, and how serious could it be?
Reduce risks—install fire alarms, extinguishers, clear escape routes, and swap out anything unsafe.
Review regularly—changed the furniture layout? Installed a new heater? Check your assessment again.
Fire Hazards in Holiday Lets & How to Fix Them
Electrical issues—old appliances, overloaded sockets, fraying wires. Get an electrician to check everything regularly.
Heating systems—boilers, fireplaces, and portable heaters need yearly servicing by a professional.
Kitchen dangers—install heat alarms, provide fire blankets, and include guest safety instructions.
Smoking materials—if you allow smoking, create safe areas with proper ashtrays.
Candles & open flames—ban them completely!
Must-Have Fire Safety Measures for Holiday Lets
Smoke alarms—install in every bedroom, hallway, and living area.
Heat alarms—essential for kitchens (to avoid false smoke alarm triggers).
Carbon monoxide alarms—a legal requirement in any room with a fuel-burning appliance.
Fire extinguishers—one per floor, in an easy-to-spot location.
Fire blankets—keep them in the kitchen for cooking-related fires.
Clear escape routes—guests need unblocked exits and a well-lit path out.
Essential: Make sure alarms are interlinked—so when one goes off, they all go off.
Your Fire Action Plan: What to Tell Guests
Your guests need to know what to do in case of a fire—so make it easy for them.
Evacuation routes—provide a clear map with exit routes.
Assembly point—choose a safe outdoor space for guests to meet.
Emergency numbers—fire service, ambulance, police—display these clearly.
Fire alarm procedures—step-by-step what to do if the alarm sounds.
Top Tip: Include fire safety for holiday lets info in your welcome pack and display it on the back of the front door.
Fire Safety Training: Do You Need It?
If you have staff (cleaners, property managers), then they must know your fire safety plan. Regular training means fewer risks.
Train staff on:
How to use fire extinguishers
Where all fire exits and escape routes are
How to spot fire hazards before guests even arrive
What Happens if You Ignore Fire Safety Laws?
Failing a fire risk assessment → fines up to £5,000.
Ignoring an enforcement notice → fines up to £20,000 or 2 years in prison.
Serious breaches causing harm → unlimited fines and prison time.
Get your fire safety for your holiday let sorted before the fire inspectors come knocking.
Stay Fire Safe: Regular Maintenance Checklist
Emergency lighting—test regularly.
Fire extinguishers—check expiry dates and condition.
Alarms & detectors—test monthly and replace batteries yearly.
Electrical inspections—PAT testing for all electrical appliances.
Keep records of all checks—you’ll need proof of compliance if anything goes wrong.
Fire Safety for Holiday Lets is a MUST
Fire safety isn’t just a tick-box exercise—it protects your guests, your property, and your business.
Do a proper fire risk assessment (and update it).
Install the right safety equipment—fire alarms, extinguishers, and clear escape routes.
Give guests a fire action plan so they know what to do.
Train your staff & do regular safety checks.
A safe holiday let is a successful holiday let. So, get your fire safety for holiday lets sorted now—your guests (and your insurance company) will thank you.
Fire Safety FAQs for Holiday Let Owners
What are the minimum fire safety requirements for a holiday let?
A fire risk assessment, interlinked smoke alarms in all sleeping and living areas, fire extinguishers, and clear escape routes.
How often should I review my fire risk assessment?
At least once a year, and whenever you make changes to your property.
Can I just use regular smoke alarms?
No, you need interconnected smoke & heat alarms that all go off together.
What if I don’t comply with fire safety regulations?
Expect fines, legal trouble, and potential invalidated insurance claims.
Where can you find out your legal obligatoins?
Please visit he Home Office website for the legal requirements here
Disclaimer:
This Guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Fire safety regulations can vary, and it is your responsibility as a holiday let owner to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and guidelines. Always seek professional guidance where necessary and refer to official government resources for the most up-to-date information.