Are you a landlord or property manager for a holiday home?
Are you aware you are legally required to have a Fire Risk Assessment of the property or premises?
The UK law around fire risk assessments aims to protect the public from the risk of fire. Without a fire risk assessment, you can risk facing fines and further legal consequences!
This blog is here to explain everything you need to know about fire risk assessments for holiday lets.
What are the fire safety regulations for holiday homes?
If you manage or own a holiday home, it’s important to understand how fire safety regulations for holiday lets are different from those for normal homes. In the UK, fire regulations for holiday homes come under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
They’re designed to make sure that holiday properties used for guest accommodation meet the legal standards for fire safety and protecting the lives of occupants.
Some fire safety regulations for holiday homes include:
- Smoke detectors and alarms must be properly installed and tested regularly.
- Fire doors may be required to prevent the spread of fire and protect escape routes (depending on the size of the property).
- Escape routes and emergency exits must be clearly marked and accessible for guest safety.
- Fire extinguishers, lighting, and emergency exit signs are present if needed.
If you’re looking for more information about which fire protection measures apply to your holiday home, check out the UK Government’s guide to common layouts and recommendations here.
Who is responsible for fire risk assessments of holiday lets?
If you own or manage a holiday let, it is your legal responsibility to have a fire risk assessment. This is to protect the public from a fire and align yourself with the law.
A competent person or a qualified, competent fire risk assessor can carry out the fire risk assessment. Larger premises may require a professional, qualified fire risk assessor due to the added complexity.
Starting from October 2023, it will be mandatory to maintain records of all fire risk assessments. Under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act, these reports are required to comprehensively outline the individuals accountable for fire safety within the premises.
Do you offer guest accommodation? Check out our fire risk assessments for the hospitality industry.
Common fire safety risks in holiday homes
Holiday lets can face unique fire hazards due to the fact that they usually provide short-term accommodation. Here are some common hazards you might run into and tips to minimise risks:
Cooking equipment
Fires often start in kitchens, so, it’s really important to take proper precautions when it comes to your holiday property. Make sure your kitchen is stocked with fire blankets and a small extinguisher – they should be properly labelled so guests can find them easily in an emergency.
Leave instructions on safely operating kitchen appliances, like never leaving a cooker unattended if it’s switched on, not using any damaged or uncertified appliances, and switching things off when they’re not being used.
This can go a long way to preventing fire accidents in your holiday home!
Electrical appliances
From white goods to faulty phone chargers; damaged and outdated electrical appliances are the number 4 leading fire risk in the average UK home.
That’s why it’s so important to prioritise electrical safety in your holiday let. To reduce the fire risks associated with electronics, you should regularly inspect and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) test all devices, including everything from kettles to hairdryers.
Make sure everything looks up to standard, and replace any items that show signs of damage, wear, or faulty wiring. You should also avoid overloading any electrical circuits or plug sockets and leave guests a guide on how to safely use any electronics in the home.
Making an investment in high-quality, energy efficient devices can also bring down the risk of fire hazards – while also improving guest experience.
Heating appliances and systems
Portable heaters, outdoor heat lamps, and fireplaces can be perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere for guests in your holiday home. Unfortunately, they also come with significant fire safety risks.
To keep occupants safe, keep electric heaters well-maintained and keep them a safe distance from any sofas, curtains, or any other flammable materials. If your holiday let has a fireplace, set up a fireguard and make sure the chimney is cleaned regularly to prevent blockages and build-up.
If you have portable heaters on the premises for guests to use, make sure you leave clear instructions on how to operate them safely and responsibly.
How often does a fire risk assessment need to be carried out for holiday lets?
A full assessment of the holiday let must be reviewed regularly and must be arranged by a responsible person.
Reviews to the holiday let must be conducted when changes to the premises have been made. Below is a list of changes that require a review to the fire risk assessment:
- A recent fire
- Extension of the holiday let
- Lost, stolen or damaged fire safety equipment
- A rearrangement of furniture which may impact escape routes and fire exits
What penalties do you face for not following fire risk laws and regulations?
A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement to reduce the risk of fire and protect the safety of the public.
Failure to comply with the health and safety law can result in a fine, prison sentence or even a legal ban from managing or letting properties. Read the Housing Act (2004) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order to find out more.
What is the cost of a fire risk assessment for holiday lets?
We offer competitive rates, with prices starting at £400 +VAT. Although our prices are fixed, they can vary depending on the size of the premises. Visit our prices page for more information on our pricing structure.
How do I get a fire safety assessment for my holiday let?
Want to make sure your holiday let is safe and compliant with fire safety regulations with a professional fire risk assessment? Reach out to FireRiskAssessments.com for expert advice and get a free, personalised quote from us today.
We’ll help protect your guests, premises, and peace of mind.