Do holiday lets need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, holiday lets should have a fire risk assessment. While the legal requirements differ slightly from commercial premises, holiday let owners have a duty to ensure guest safety. A proper assessment identifies risks and helps you put the right precautions in place.
Fire safety is one of the most important responsibilities for any holiday let owner, yet it is also one of the areas where there is the most confusion. Do you need a formal fire risk assessment? What does one involve? And what happens if you do not have one?
This guide answers those questions and explains what you need to do to keep your guests safe and your property compliant. For the full list of safety requirements, see our holiday let compliance checklist.
Do holiday lets legally need a fire risk assessment?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all premises that are not purely domestic. Holiday lets fall into a grey area: they are residential in nature but are used commercially.
In practice, the expectation from fire services, insurers and booking platforms is that holiday let owners should carry out a fire risk assessment. Many local authorities treat holiday lets as falling within the scope of the regulations, particularly larger properties or those that sleep more than six guests.
Even if the strict legal position in your area is unclear, having a fire risk assessment is strongly recommended. It demonstrates due diligence, satisfies insurers, and most importantly, it keeps your guests safe.
What does a fire risk assessment involve?
A fire risk assessment looks at your property and identifies:
- Potential sources of ignition (heaters, candles, cooking appliances, electrical faults)
- Materials that could fuel a fire (furnishings, curtains, bedding)
- People at risk (guests, including those unfamiliar with the property layout)
- Existing fire safety measures (alarms, extinguishers, escape routes)
- Any improvements needed
You can carry out a basic assessment yourself using templates available from your local fire service, or you can hire a professional fire risk assessor. For larger or more complex properties, a professional assessment is recommended.
Cost: Professional assessments typically cost £150 to £350.
Essential fire safety measures for holiday lets
Whether or not you commission a formal assessment, every holiday let should have:
- Smoke alarms: On every floor, tested regularly and with fresh batteries
- Carbon monoxide alarms: In any room with a gas appliance or solid fuel burner
- Fire extinguisher: At least one per floor, ideally near the kitchen and any fireplaces
- Fire blanket: In the kitchen
- Clear escape routes: Windows and doors that open easily, with keys accessible
- Fire safety information: A simple notice for guests showing escape routes and assembly points
How often should you review fire safety?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed:
- At least once a year
- After any significant changes to the property (new furniture, renovations, new appliances)
- After any fire-related incident, however minor
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested monthly, and fire extinguishers should be serviced annually.
How HolidayHost supports fire safety
Our Local Hosts carry out regular property checks, including visual inspections of fire safety equipment. While we do not conduct fire risk assessments ourselves, we advise owners on what is needed and can recommend trusted local assessors.
For more detail on fire safety specifically, see our guide on reducing fire risk in holiday letting properties. And for the broader regulatory picture, our coverage of planning law changes and the mandatory registration scheme will keep you up to date.
