Ask the Experts: Do I have to prepare a Fire Risk Assessment if I let my cottage?
Ask the experts…
Q. Do I have to prepare a Fire Risk Assessment if I let my cottage?
A. The Helpful Holidays team say:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes you responsible for taking steps to protect the people using your property from the risk of fire. It requires by law that you carry out a Fire Risk Assessment, improve your fire safety measures if necessary, and regularly review the risks and safety measures.
You can carry out the Fire Risk Assessment of your cottage yourself, ask a friend with experience to help, or engage a professional consultant, although you’ll still be legally responsible for the Assessment. We recommend keeping a written record of the Assessment and scheduling regular reviews.
The Fire Risk Assessment will include details of arrangements for fire prevention, detection (including checks and servicing of equipment), extinguishing, safe design and layout of the property and arrangements for evacuation in the event of a fire. More information and a blank form for guidance are available on the government website, and your local Fire and Rescue Service can provide information and advice on fire protection.
As a holiday letting owner you are responsible for compliance with health & safety laws, regulations and guidance, and for having suitable insurances in place (not Sykes Holiday Cottages or its brands (Sykes)). From time to time, Sykes shares information with you on the topic of health and safety and insurance. When it does so, it is not providing you with advice (legal, financial, tax or otherwise); please seek your own as you see fit. In addition, it is not making any representations or warranties about the information being complete or free from errors or inaccuracies. Sykes shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising under or in connection with your reliance on it.
