How to minimise fire risks

Most home fires are accidental. You should check for fire risks and possible sources of ignition, such as cooking appliances, heaters and electrics. Smoke alarms should be installed in a property to reduce the risk to tenants.

Installing and checking smoke alarms

Smoke alarms should be installed in a property to reduce the risk to tenants.

Test the fire or smoke alarms at your six-monthly inspection, replace the battery is needed, and also encourage tenants to test the alarms in their own time.

Other measures that help minimise fire hazards

The following measures also help minimise fire hazards:

• internal and external doors made of an appropriate material and fitted to the correct standards
• keeping appliances like cookers, tumble dryers, and portable heaters in good repair and away from flammable materials
• ensuring electrical sockets and switches are in good repair
• positioning electrical outlets in convenient places to reduce the need for extension leads
• maintaining a safe means of escape, clear of obstacles.

Additional fire safety duties in an HMO property

Managers of HMO properties have additional duties to ensure all means of escape are free from obstruction, all firefighting equipment is in good working order, and all escape notices are clearly displayed.

These homes often have locked rooms and shared spaces, which can make it harder to escape during a fire. That’s why landlords must install extra safety features like fire alarms, fire doors, and clear escape signs.

Visit GOV.UK for further guidance on fire safety legal duties.