Reducing the risk of fire
Reducing fire risk entails proper storage of flammable materials, regular electrical system maintenance, and promoting fire safety awareness
Fortunately, fire claims are rare. However, they can pose a risk to life, as well as being costly, with the average payout at Total Landlord coming in at nearly £36,000.
Sometimes claims reach eye-watering amounts; The highest in the last five years was for £360,179 when a wild grass fire spread from the park next door due to hot weather in 2022. The previous year a fire due to a tumble dryer resulted in a claim for £186,650.
It’s very important to educate tenants about fire safety, but landlords, particularly those renting out HMOs, must also be aware of their legal responsibilities. For example:
Providing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Making sure that furniture and furnishings supplied are fire safe
Providing tenants with access to escape routes
Carrying out regular portable appliance testing
Making sure that all gas fittings are well maintained and in good condition and that annual safety checks are carried out by a Gas Safe registered tradesperson
For full up to date guidance on fire safety requirements, refer to GOV.UK.
Watch our short video of top fire prevention tips for landlords and tenants.
Carry out a fire safety risk assessment, consider using a fire safety specialist
Make sure all smoke and CO alarms are working at the start of the tenancy and ask tenants to check them every month. It’s also a good idea to check them during inspections and keep a written record that you have done this
Install fire doors in high-risk rooms such as the kitchen
Make sure tenants know how to exit the property and include a clear emergency exit plan in their welcome pack
Make sure that electrical safety checks are carried out, and warn tenants about overloading sockets. Find out more about how you can protect your property and your tenants in our ultimate landlord guide to electrical hazards
Although not required in single let rented properties, you might want to provide fire extinguishers and fire blankets, but if you do so, make sure that tenants know how to use them
Ban smoking inside
For more advice on how to protect your rental property from fire, read our ultimate guide to fire safety regulations for landlords and watch our short video of top fire prevention tips for landlords and tenants.
Regularly
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
