Landlords must ensure fire safety by providing smoke/CO alarms, fire-safe furniture, clear escape routes, and sometimes a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) or extinguishers, with stricter rules for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Key duties include alarms on each floor, a CO alarm for solid fuel appliances and gas heating, and annual gas safety checks.
Key landlord fire safety responsibilities (England/Wales focus)
- Smoke & CO Alarms: At least one smoke alarm per storey (living accommodation) and a CO alarm in rooms with solid fuel burners (wood/coal) and gas heating . Must be tested and working at tenancy start.
- Escape Routes: Must ensure clear, unobstructed access to escape routes. Signage and emergency lighting may apply for HMOs.
- Furniture & Furnishings: Must be fire-safe (comply with regulations, especially upholstered items).
- Fire Risk Assessment (FRA): Legally required for HMOs and shared houses (3+ unrelated occupiers) and best practice for others.
- Fire Safety Equipment (HMOs/Large properties): May require fire alarms, extinguishers, and fire blankets in larger/HMO properties. Check your local authority’s requirements.
- Structural Safety: Maintain fire-resisting doors (self-closing where required) and structural protection.
- Information Sharing: New rules (from Oct 2023) require responsible persons for multi-occupancy buildings (2+ flats) to provide residents with fire safety information.
