Fire Safety in Rented Homes

Are you living in a rented property and feeling unsure about the fire safety standards in your home? It’s important to know that you have rights, and your landlord has legal responsibilities to keep you safe.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. 

As a tenant, you have the legal right to live in a home that is safe from fire hazards. Your landlord must take fire safety seriously and ensure the property meets the law. This includes: 

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• There must be a smoke alarm on every floor of your home. 
• Carbon monoxide alarms are required in any room with a solid fuel appliance (like a wood stove). 
• These alarms must be working and tested before you move in. 

 Fire safe furniture

• Any furniture provided by your landlord must meet fire resistance standards. (Look for the fire safety label.)

Electrical and gas safety

• All electrical systems and appliances should have safety certificates dating when they were last checked. 
• Your landlord must provide a Gas Safety Certificate every year. 
• An Electrical Safety Inspection must be done every 5 years, and you’re entitled to see the report.

Clear and Safe Escape Routes

• Hallways, staircases, and exits must be kept clear at all times. 
• Doors and windows used for escape must be easy to open from the inside, without a key or special tool. 

Extra Fire Protection in HMOs

If you’re in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), your landlord has extra responsibilities: 

• Fire doors, interlinked alarms, and clear evacuation procedures should be in place. 

Even though landlords are responsible for the safety features, you also play an important role in fire prevention. Here’s how you can help keep your home safe: 

• Test smoke alarms regularly (ideally once a month). 
• Report any issues such as a broken alarm to your landlord as soon as possible. 
• Keep hallways and exits clear of clutter or furniture. 
• Stay alert when cooking and keep an eye out for faulty electrical appliances, damaged cords, and other hazards like candles or smoking materials. 
• Never tamper with fire safety equipment like extinguishers or alarms. 
• Follow building rules, especially about smoking in shared areas. 

If you’re worried that your home isn’t fire safe and your landlord isn’t taking action: 

contact our fire safety team for help. You can report a fire concern about the premises via our online form or over the phone. 

• Phone (Office hours): 023 8064 4000 
• Out of office hours (Mon–Thu 5pm–8:30am, Fri from 4:30pm, Weekends): 023 8038 6390 

Your safety matters – and it’s important to speak up.