Holiday Let Fire Safety: Is Your Property Ready for Guests?
Spring bookings are coming. Before guests arrive, make sure your holiday property meets fire safety requirements. Here is what Lake District and Cumbria property owners need to know.
What Does the Law Require?
Holiday lets are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. As the property owner or manager, you are the "responsible person" for fire safety.
Since October 2022, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations also apply. These set minimum requirements for alarms in all rental properties, including holiday lets.
Under the Fire Safety Order, the property owner or managing agent is legally responsible for fire safety in holiday lets. This applies even if you use a booking agent or management company.
Requirements at a Glance
The table below summarises the key fire safety requirements for holiday let properties.
| Requirement | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke alarms | At least one on every floor, including hallways and landings | Legal |
| CO alarms | In any room with a fixed combustion appliance | Legal |
| Fire risk assessment | Written assessment kept up to date | Legal |
| Fire blanket | Accessible in the kitchen | Best Practice |
| Fire extinguisher | Multi purpose, serviced annually | Best Practice |
| Guest safety info | Exits, equipment location, emergency numbers | Best Practice |
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance. CO is invisible and odourless, making proper alarms essential for guest safety.
Common in Lake District cottages. A CO alarm is required in the room where the stove is installed. Have the chimney swept annually.
CO alarm required in the room. Ensure the boiler has a current Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), renewed annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
CO alarm required. Check flues and ventilation are clear before the start of each letting season.
Fire Safety Information for Guests
Guests need to know what to do in an emergency. A simple laminated sheet in a visible spot works well. Include the information in your welcome pack too.
Cover exit locations, where to find fire safety equipment, what to do if the smoke alarm goes off, emergency contact numbers, and the assembly point outside.
Linked Alarms
Consider fitting interconnected alarms so if one goes off, they all sound. This is particularly important in multi-storey properties where guests may be sleeping upstairs while a fire starts on the ground floor.
Fire safety does not have to be complicated. A few straightforward checks before each season — and before each guest changeover — will keep your property compliant and your guests safe.
Need Help Getting Guest Ready?
We help holiday let owners across Cumbria and the Lake District with fire safety equipment, servicing, and compliance advice. Whether you have one cottage or a portfolio of properties, we can help.
01768 863 551 info@beaconfireprotection.co.uk