Landlords are responsible for ensuring fire safety measures are in place in rented accommodation where they are responsible. Find out more about landlord’s responsibilities to help prevent fires in rented homes.
Fire safety
Landlords are responsible for keeping the property safe from fire, this includes:
- Following safety regulations. Read our advice.
- Providing a smoke alarm on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (such as a coal fire).
- Check that tenants have access to escape routes at all times.
- Ensuring the furniture and any furnishings supplied by the landlord are fire safe.
- If the property is a large house in multiple occupation (HMO), fire alarms and extinguishers must be provided by the landlord.
Gas safety
To keep rented accommodation safe and free from health hazards, the landlord is responsible for:
- Making sure gas equipment supplied is safely installed and maintained by a GasSafe registered engineer
- Having a registered engineer do an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue in the property
- Ensure the tenant receives a copy of the gas safety check before they move in, or within 28 days of the check
Electrical safety
The landlord must:
- Ensure the electrical system is safe, for example the sockets and light fittings
- Ensure that all appliances supplied are safe, this includes kettles and cookers
If you have concerns about your landlord, you can report a concern to us.
Where will I find guidance about the required standards for my building?
The guidance you need largely depends on the specific type of building in question. A valuable starting point for most is the gov.uk website, it offers comprehensive guidance for a wide range of circumstances.
For those responsible for specialised housing, including sheltered housing, extra care housing, or supported housing for those with learning disabilities or mental health issues, the NFCC Specialised Housing Guidance is a valuable resource.
If you’re seeking information about purpose-built dwellings, such as high-rise apartment blocks, the Local Government Association (LGA) offers valuable information through their downloadable publication, fire safety in purpose-built flats. In cases where you require more information about shared houses, bedsits, and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), you’ll find guidance at LACoRS.