Fire safety in rented housing

Landlords must ensure they minimise the risk from fire. There should be a safe means of escape from the property. Landlords should fit an alarm and suitable detection to a property. Each property will be different, and may require a written fire risk assessment.

Local authorities enforce the requirements and can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

See also Healthy Homes HHSRS Guidance.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015

These regulations require a private sector landlords from 1 October 2015 to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (for example: a coal fire, wood burning stove). After that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.

Local authorities enforce the requirements and can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

See The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 on legislation.gov.uk

See smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: explanatory booklet for landlords ON GOV.UK further details about the new law.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

In addition to the Housing Act 2004, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 introduced duties in relation to the common areas of some HMO's and flats. It places the duty on the 'responsible person' and requires them to carry out a fire risk assessment and to take specific actions to minimise the risk of fire. Fire and rescue authorities will enforce these provisions.

See fire safety in shared or rented accommodation on GOV.UK for fire safety tips for people in shared or rented homes who are at greater risk from fire.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service safe and well visits

Safe and well visits are to help people live independently and deal with any potential fire hazards in their homes. The fire service visit a your property and help to advise on fire escape routes and detection.

Safety at home on the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service website.

Last updated: Friday, 15 December, 2023.