Fire Safety Requirements for Landlords Across the UK

As Christmas approaches, it’s important to make sure all key safety responsibilities are taken care of, helping you avoid last-minute call-outs during the festive break. Emergency visits aren’t just costly; they can be hard to arrange at a time when demand for tradespeople is at its peak.

Stay ahead, keep tenants happy, and ensure your portfolio is fully compliant by completing essential maintenance now. This guide outlines the core fire safety requirements for rental properties across the UK.

Fire Safety

Ensuring the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order is essential, particularly during the colder months when heating systems are used much more frequently. Taking the time to complete these checks gives tenants reassurance and helps safeguard their homes throughout winter.

Below is a breakdown of the fire safety requirements across each UK region.

England

All rental properties are legally required to adhere to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022. All landlords and property managers should fully understand these regulations and ensure that the necessary requirements are in place in the property. Landlords who are found to be in breach could be fined up to £5,000 per property.

Here are the key requirements:

1. Smoke alarm on every storey: Every floor used as living accommodation must have a working smoke alarm.
2. Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with combustion appliances: Any room with a gas boiler, wood burner, coal fire, or oil appliance requires a carbon monoxide alarm (gas cookers excluded, but still recommended).
3. Mandatory repairs: If an alarm is found not working, the landlord must repair or replace it “as soon as reasonably practicable.”

Wales

All private rented homes in Wales are subject to the safety standards of the fitness of homes for human habitation (FFHH) rules under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act and its subsequent regulations.

Landlords are still required to fit a smoke alarm on every storey and to be in proper working order. Additionally, carbon monoxide alarms must be present in any room with a form of fuel burning appliance installed.

 The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 sets out 29 matters landlords must maintain. It is also advised that landlords carry out routine maintenance on their property, including sweeping chimneys and flues.

Scotland

Since February 2022, amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 have been in place. All Scottish homes must have interlinked fire alarms, this means that when one is activated, all go off.

The requirements include: 

1. A smoke alarm in the living room used most
2. A smoke alarms in circulations spaces (hallways and landings)
3. A heat alarm in every kitchen
4. All alarms should be ceiling mounted
5. All alarms should be interlinked

If a room in a home contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler, fire, heater or flue, then a carbon monoxide detector must be fitted. This however does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

These rules apply to all homes in Scotland, including private rented property, social housing, and new builds.

Northern Ireland

The Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 apply from 1 September 2024 for new tenancies and from 1 December 2024 for existing tenancies. This sets out the safety standards that landlords must follow for their rental property.

The requirements are as follows:

1. A heat alarm in every kitchen
2. A smoke alarm in the main living area and in every circulation space
3. A carbon monoxide detector in every room with a gas appliance, such as a gas fire or a boiler. This is not referring to a gas cooker.
4. It is recommended that all carbon monoxide alarms are interlinked, but this is not mandatory.
5. All alarms must be mains-powered and fitted with a tamper-proof battery (Grade D1).
6. Ceiling installation required (carbon monoxide alarms may be wall-mounted).

Landlords must confirm at the start of each tenancy that alarms work properly and provide tenants with instructions on testing. Those who fail to comply with these regulations could face legal action and fines of up to £2,500. Under this new legislation, battery-operated or replaceable battery detectors do not meet the requirements.

How to Advise Tenants

Landlords should keep a clear log of alarm installation, replacement, and testing dates to share at the start of each tenancy.

Tenants should test alarms weekly and report any faults immediately. Once a fault is reported, or when an alarm is due to be replaced, remedial action must be taken promptly. Alarms must be replaced on or before their expiry date, not after.

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Before you switch off for Christmas, make sure your properties are safe and compliant.