{"id":4503,"date":"2025-06-18T15:00:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4503"},"modified":"2026-03-18T17:38:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:38:46","slug":"holiday-let-fire-regulations-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/holiday-let-fire-regulations-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Holiday Let Fire Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Fire regulations are in place across the UK to ensure the safety of those staying in holiday accommodation. It\u2019s vital for owners to stay up to date with guidance, ensure their properties are compliant with legal requirements, and guarantee the safety of their guests.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>There is official fire safety guidance for &#8216;Small Holiday Lets&#8217;, issued by the UK Government. Here\u2019s all you need to know about ensuring your holiday let is fire safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><b>Fire regulations for holiday lets<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on the quick links below to learn about a specific topic,\u00a0 or continue reading our full guide to understand what the fire safety regulations mean for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#1\"><b><u>What is the Government fire safety guidance?<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2\"><b><u>Carrying out a Risk Assessment<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3\"><b><u>Examples of Fire Hazards<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4\"><b><u>Fire Protection Measures<\/u><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5\"><b><u><b>What types of properties does the new guidance apply to?<\/b><\/u><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6\"><b><u><b>How Helpful Holidays can assist you<\/b><\/u><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"1\"><b>What is the Government fire safety guidance?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve summarised the holiday let fire safety regulations under the bullet points below. Remember, this blog is just a brief overview and is not to solely be depended upon when making your property safe. Please read the full <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/1147723\/A_guide_to_making_your_small_paying-guest-accommodation_safe_from_fire.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">government guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure your holiday let is safe and compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"2\"><b>Carrying out a holiday let fire risk assessment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Rick-Assessment-Image-HH.jpg\" alt=\"Fire risk assessment logo overlaid on internal shot of kitchen in a holiday cottage\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners of small holiday accommodation must carry out and act on a fire risk assessment for their property. This means inspecting your property to identify any fire hazards, ensuring there are measures in place to prevent fires, and putting precautions in place to protect those in your holiday let from a fire. This includes guests, staff, and anyone else who may use your property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2; padding: 32px 32px 32px 32px; border-radius: 10px;\">\n<p><b>Can I do my own fire risk assessment?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government guidance suggests that for small accommodations, fire risk assessments \u2018can be completed, in most cases, without specialist knowledge\u2019 by referring to the guide. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/1147723\/A_guide_to_making_your_small_paying-guest-accommodation_safe_from_fire.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PDF<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also contains a helpful risk assessment template. Nonetheless, if you lack confidence in doing it independently, seeking assistance from a specialised fire risk assessor is advisable. The Fire Sector Federation publishes guidance on choosing a competent fire risk assessor.\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, as the responsible person, you must satisfy yourself that the measures you have put in place are adequate and justifiable. You should therefore ensure that any advice you receive is of sufficient quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"3\"><b>Examples of fire hazards for holiday lets<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4523\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Fire-Hazard-Image-HH.jpg\" alt=\"Fire hazard icon overlaid on external shot of a shepherd's hut\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of your risk assessment, you should take note of all the fire hazards within your property and either remove them or take measures to reduce the risk they cause. Here are some examples of hazards set out in the government guidance:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Electrical Installations &amp; Equipment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As electricals are such a common cause of fire, it&#8217;s crucial to regularly inspect equipment in line with regulations, like an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). You can find additional information on this in the Government\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/1147723\/A_guide_to_making_your_small_paying-guest-accommodation_safe_from_fire.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holiday Let Fire Safety guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or for more specific guidance on electrical safety, visit the<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/electricity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">government website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Smoking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking is the most common cause of fatalities from domestic fires and is a significant hazard. Although the law doesn\u2019t prohibit guests from smoking in private spaces, the safest bet is not to allow smoking throughout your holiday property. If you\u2019d like to do this, you should display signs to make this clear. At Helpful Holidays, we do not allow guests to smoke in the self-catering properties we let, and all of our listings make this clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Arson<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Arson in your holiday cottage is the last thing you\u2019d like to think about, it\u2019s an important hazard to consider. You need to ensure a good level of security to prevent unauthorised access to your accommodation. You should also remove refuse and rubbish bins away from the property, especially windows, to prevent fire spreading from outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Heating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heating should have annual maintenance checks carried out by a qualified contractor to ensure it\u2019s safe. You should also avoid using portable heaters if possible, or make sure they\u2019re placed away from combustible materials and fire escape routes. Some dangerous types of heater shouldn\u2019t be used at all \u2013 these are described in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/1147723\/A_guide_to_making_your_small_paying-guest-accommodation_safe_from_fire.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">government guidance PDF<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with plenty of considerations for those with log burners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Cooking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The guidance document includes measures which can be taken to make ovens and cooking equipment safer. This depends on the type of oven you have, but all types require regular maintenance and cleaning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Candles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As lovely and atmospheric as candles can be for your guests, they pose a significant fire risk. You shouldn\u2019t provide candles for guests, and should suggest that they don\u2019t use candles of their own.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Housekeeping<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good housekeeping is an important factor in keeping your accommodation safe. All refuse should be removed regularly, and combustible materials need to be kept away from sources of ignition. Escape routes must be kept clear of rubbish or storage so guests can leave as quickly as possible if there\u2019s a fire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Furniture and Furnishings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All furniture and furnishings need to comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Contractors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many fires are caused by the work of contractors. It\u2019s important to make sure all contractors are suitably qualified and competent, and that the correct safety measures are taken when hot work is carried out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Dangerous Substances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dangerous substances should always be stored correctly. Barbeques or fire pits should be a safe distance from the property, and never on balconies, while gas for barbecues should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s instructions. Instructions should be provided for guests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"4\"><b>Holiday let fire protection measures<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/11\/Fire-Extinguisher-Image-HH.jpg\" alt=\"Fire extinguisher icon overlaid on an external shot of a holiday cottage\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><b>Fire Escape Routes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The law requires you to have escape routes so guests can leave your property as quickly and safely as possible. You should think about the people who will be using your property, such as elderly people, people with disabilities, or children, and ensure the route is suitable for them. Escape routes should also be lined with doors or walls which are fire safe. There\u2019s lots more information about this in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/1147723\/A_guide_to_making_your_small_paying-guest-accommodation_safe_from_fire.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">government guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Emergency lighting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your holiday accommodation must be well-lit in the event of a fire, allowing for guests to easily escape. It\u2019s necessary to consider lighting in the event that your electrical supply fails. This could be as simple as street lighting outside, or you may need additional lighting which doesn\u2019t rely on the property\u2019s circuitry, such as night lights, easily accessible torches, or specialist emergency lighting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Fire Escape Signs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are not always essential, for example in small premises where the fire escape routes are clear to anyone using the property. However, in a larger property, you may need signage to show guests where to go in the event of a fire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Firefighting Equipment<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guests shouldn\u2019t be expected to use firefighting equipment, as their greatest priority is escaping the accommodation safely. On the other hand, where staff are in the property, there should be appropriate equipment supplied. It\u2019s also important to keep this maintained and provide instructions for use in line with guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In self-catering accommodation, although guests are not expected to use fire-fighting equipment, you may wish to provide a small multi-purpose fire extinguisher and\/or fire blanket in the kitchen area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can buy suitable multi-purpose extinguishers, guaranteed for five years, from a range of larger DIY outlets. You should check the gauge regularly to make sure the \u2018stored pressure\u2019 has not leaked. Low maintenance 10-year extinguishers are also available. Multi-purpose powder fire extinguishers should not be provided, as they are not suitable for use in enclosed spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Fire detection and alarms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoke alarms should be fitted in all bedrooms and common areas, while heat alarms are needed in kitchens and other areas where smoke may cause a false alarm. It\u2019s also necessary to have a smoke alarm in your roof space when there are combustible materials in it. Smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked so they all sound when a fire is detected.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Escape Plan<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple escape plan drawing should be supplied for guests, who are unlikely to be familiar with the property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Maintenance and Testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s essential to carry out regular testing and maintenance on your fire safety equipment and procedures. After all, there\u2019s no use in having a fire safety plan if it no longer works in practice. There\u2019s a full list of the tests that should be carried out in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/1147723\/A_guide_to_making_your_small_paying-guest-accommodation_safe_from_fire.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">government guidance document<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Carbon Monoxide Detectors<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although not mentioned in the Government\u2019s new guidance, carbon monoxide detectors are essential for keeping people safe in your holiday property. It\u2019s a legal requirement that these are present in any room with an appliance that burns solid fuel, like a log burner or open fire. Carbon Monoxide can also be caused by faulty gas appliances, so it\u2019s advisable to have them in any room with a gas burning appliance, such as a gas boiler or oven.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"5\"><b>Which properties does the new guidance apply to?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The guidance applies to holiday accommodations that sleep less than 10 people, and have no more than 4 bedrooms on the first floor. This includes all accommodation types, including cottages, chalets, caravans and glamping pods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It only covers properties on either the ground floor or across the ground and first floor, meaning properties with more than 2 floors aren\u2019t addressed in this guidance. If your holiday let fits into this category, you should adhere to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/422192\/9281_Sleeping_Accomodation_v2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other government guidance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on premises with paying guest sleeping accommodation.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"6\"><b>How Helpful Holidays can assist you<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners who use Helpful Holidays can rest assured that we\u2019ll provide them with guides to property safety and legal regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although we can\u2019t advise you on, and aren\u2019t responsible for, fire safety at your property, we hope that by doing these things we\u2019re starting you off on the right foot. You can then read into the matter further and seek your own advice as and when you feel it\u2019s needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about letting your property through Helpful Holidays, complete the form below for our team to get in touch. You&#8217;ll also receive a copy of our FREE Owner Guide.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: -25px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/sykescottages.jotform.com\/jsform\/250763125518961\"><\/script><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>More holiday letting advice<\/h2>\n<p>Interested in more holiday letting tips? Helpful Holidays have a range of useful in-depth guides, packed with advice for holiday home owners. Whether you&#8217;re thinking of buying a holiday home or experienced in letting, you&#8217;re sure to find our owner advice blog useful!<\/p>\n<p>Read one of the specific guides below or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/category\/owner-advice\/\" rel=\"noopener\">browse our blog<\/a> to learn more:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/does-holiday-letting-require-planning-permission\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Planning Permission for Holiday Lets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/money-saving-tips-to-cut-holiday-let-costs\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Money Saving Tips to Cut Holiday Let Costs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/buying-a-holiday-home-to-let\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Buying a Holiday Home in the South West<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/choosing-a-holiday-home-letting-agency-south-west\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Choosing a South West Holiday home Letting Agency<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>As a holiday letting owner you are responsible for compliance with health &amp; 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.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fire regulations are in place across the UK to ensure the safety of those staying in holiday accommodation. It\u2019s vital for owners to stay up to date with guidance, ensure their properties are compliant with legal requirements, and guarantee the safety of their guests.\u00a0 There is official fire safety guidance for &#8216;Small Holiday Lets&#8217;, issued [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":173,"featured_media":4505,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-owner-advice"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/173"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4503"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5523,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4503\/revisions\/5523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}