Advice for landlords

Does Fire Safety Law apply to me?

If you are a landlord who is responsible for any residential accommodation with communal areas e.g. an HMO or apartment building then the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (gov.uk, opens in a new window) applies to you. See the fire safety law page for more information.

If you are responsible for a flat above a commercial property such as a shop or take away, then you must ensure that anyone living in the flat can escape safely.

Where can I get advice?

Specific fire safety guidance in relation to housing can be found in Lacors 'Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing' (PDF, 1.6MB) and the guide for purpose built flats (Local Government Association). 

For more expert advice, please see the 'Who can Help Me?' section of the Fire Safety Law webpage.

You can get more information on your responsibilities as a landlord from your Local Housing Authority.

Do I need to fit smoke alarms?

Since October 2015, in addition to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, new Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 require all landlords to:

• Fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms containing a solid fuel appliance
• Check that all alarms are working when a new tenancy starts

More information can be found in the Government guidance on the 2015 regulations.