Owning and managing rental property comes with important legal responsibilities and fire safety should always be at the top of the list. Whether you manage a single buy-to-let property or a portfolio of HMOs, taking a proactive approach to fire safety helps protect tenants, property and your investment.
At Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd., we work with landlords across Bath, Wiltshire and Somerset to help ensure properties remain compliant, safe and properly protected.
Here’s a practical step-by-step fire and safety checklist every landlord should follow.
1. Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is one of the most important responsibilities for landlords — especially for HMOs and communal areas in flats.
A proper assessment should identify:
Potential fire hazards
People at risk
Escape routes
Existing fire safety measures
Areas needing improvement
Regular reviews are important, particularly after renovations or changes in occupancy.
2. Install Working Smoke Alarms
Landlords are legally required to install:
At least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation
Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances (and increasingly recommended near gas appliances too)
You should:
Test alarms before new tenants move in
Encourage tenants to test alarms regularly
Replace faulty or expired units promptly
Mains-powered interconnected alarms are often recommended for improved protection.
3. Check Fire Doors
Fire doors help slow the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.
Check that fire doors:
Close properly
Are not wedged open
Have working self-closers where required
Have intact seals and hinges
Are free from damage
This is particularly important in HMOs and apartment buildings.
4. Ensure Escape Routes Are Clear
Tenants must be able to leave the property quickly and safely during an emergency.
Regularly inspect:
Hallways
Staircases
Shared corridors
External exits
Escape routes should always remain:
Well lit
Free from storage or clutter
Easy to open from inside
Emergency lighting may also be required in certain properties.
5. Provide Suitable Fire Extinguishers (Where Appropriate)
Not every rental property requires extinguishers, but in some HMOs and communal areas they may be recommended or required.
Common equipment may include:
Water extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers
Fire blankets in kitchens
All fire safety equipment should be:
Installed correctly
Easily accessible
Professionally serviced annually
6. Test Electrical Safety
Electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of property fires.
Landlords should ensure:
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is completed as legally required
Portable appliances are safe to use
Damaged sockets, wiring or appliances are repaired quickly
PAT testing may also be advisable for furnished properties.
7. Maintain Fire Alarm Systems
If your property has a fire alarm system installed, it should be:
Tested regularly
Professionally serviced
Maintained in accordance with regulations
Different property types may require different alarm grades and categories, particularly HMOs.
Professional advice helps ensure the correct system is in place.
8. Keep Safety Records Up to Date
Good documentation is essential for compliance and peace of mind.
Keep records of:
Fire risk assessments
Alarm testing
Emergency lighting tests
Fire extinguisher servicing
Electrical inspections
Maintenance work
Clear records demonstrate that you are taking reasonable steps to protect tenants.
9. Educate Tenants on Fire Safety
Simple guidance can significantly improve tenant safety.
Provide information on:
Escape routes
Alarm testing
Reporting faults
Safe cooking practices
What to do during a fire
Encouraging good safety habits helps reduce risks for everyone.
10. Arrange Regular Professional Inspections
Fire safety regulations can be complex, and requirements vary depending on property type and occupancy.
Working with experienced fire safety professionals helps ensure:
Legal compliance
Appropriate equipment selection
Proper maintenance
Reduced fire risks
At Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd., we support landlords with:
Fire risk assessments
Fire alarms
Fire extinguishers
Emergency lighting
Fire safety servicing
Ongoing compliance support
Need Help With Landlord Fire Safety?
If you own or manage rental property in Bath, Wiltshire or Somerset, our experienced team is here to help you stay compliant and protect your tenants.
Contact Bath & West Fire & Safety Ltd. today to discuss your fire safety requirements.