Holiday Rental Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Risk Assessment Overview

The assessment is a complete review of the property in relation to fire hazards. This includes outlining what potential fire hazards are present in the home and how this could be a risk to guests. In addition, the assessment should include what measures are being taken by the holiday rental owner to reduce the risks to guests. Lastly, the assessment should include a plan on how guests would be able to evacuate the property in the event of a fire.

Ensuring Guest Safety in Your Holiday Rental

Mitigate hazards and implement safety measures:

• Install interlinked mains smoke alarms.
• Use heat detectors in kitchens.
• Provide carbon monoxide detectors.
• Ensure staircases have night lights or place rechargeable torches in rooms.
• Equip each floor with a fire blanket and appropriate fire extinguishers.
• Ensure final exit doors open from the inside without a key.
• Use escape route fire doors with a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance.
• Install internal self-closing fire doors.
• Remove window lock keys.
• Eliminate candles.
• Regularly maintain chimneys and wood burners.
• Use furniture and furnishings that comply with British safety standards.

Communicating Fire Risk & Safety Measures to Guests.
Your completed fire risk assessment should be prominently displayed within the property, preferably in the guestbook, so guests can easily access it. This document is essential for fire prevention and ensuring guests know how to respond in the event of a fire or alarm activation.

• Include clear and detailed instructions on:
• The emergency fire escape plan, outlining actions to take and designated exit routes.
• The locations of fire blankets and fire extinguishers.
• The positions of all exit points.
• The property address for emergency services.
• Identified fire risks and safety guidelines, such as appliance usage, smoking policy, log burner and barbecue safety, and a no-candle rule.
•  Carbon monoxide precautions and advice.

Storing & Maintaining Your Fire Risk Assessment

Owners must ensure that their Holiday Rental Fire Risk Assessment is securely stored and visible to guests. In addition, the assessment must be regularly updated (ideally annually) to ensure that all fire risk is mitigated against.

Changeover Fire Safety Checks
Holiday Rental Owners are legally obliged to do a fire safety check before any guest arrives. These checks should include doing the following:

Test smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.
Verify that fire extinguisher pressure dials show the correct readings.
Inspect appliance wires for damage and remove any damaged appliances.
Remove candles, matches, lighters, and similar items from the property, except those needed for the log burner, and store them safely out of children’s reach.
Test carbon monoxide monitors.
Inspect fire doors for proper operation.
Ensure exit routes remain clear of obstructions.
Maintain a record of all safety checks and maintenance.

YourCompliance offers a simple solution to holiday rental owners to set up, do and store changeover fire safety checks.