{"id":2129,"date":"2023-10-05T10:40:48","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T10:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chilman.com\/?p=2129"},"modified":"2024-02-02T08:41:43","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T08:41:43","slug":"the-new-fire-regulations-for-small-holiday-lets-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chilman.com\/the-new-fire-regulations-for-small-holiday-lets-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"The New Fire Regulations For Small Holiday Lets Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

From 1 October 2023, owners of small paying guest accommodation in England and Wales need to meet new fire safety regulations. With these new rules in place, short let properties such as AirBnbs and guest houses now have to meet the same fire safety regulations as hotels and bedsits.<\/p>\n

This is the first time that short let properties have been regulated in this way, so owners are bound to have questions about the new law. To help you stay safe and compliant, this guide will explain in simple terms the new fire safety legal provisions within section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022.<\/p>\n

Quick context to fire safety law<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has gone through a number of changes and amendments since it was first introduced. Phase one of these amendments constituted the Fire Safety Act 2021, while Phase 2 was the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. These new regulations that came into effect at the start of October 2023 are Phase 3 of the Home Office\u2019s fire safety reform programme. These new fire regulations aim to strengthen safety in a number of different types of premises including short stay holiday lets.<\/p>\n

Who does the new short let fire safety regulations affect?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The new fire safety rules apply to all holiday homes in England and Wales. This includes small bed and breakfast guest houses and self-catering apartments. Even if you just rent out a room to a paying guest for a single night, you need to follow these fire regulations for holiday lets.<\/p>\n

Previously, small paying guest accommodation with fewer than five employees did not have to record fire safety risk assessments, although they still needed to have fire doors and smoke alarms. However, with the rise of AirBnb and other letting sites, the change in rules means that many people who list rooms or parts of their property for short term holiday stays will have to comply with these stricter new rules.<\/p>\n

With an estimated 257,000 short term holiday letting listings across the UK in 2022<\/a>, these new regulations for holiday lets will undoubtedly have a major impact.<\/p>\n

So, what exactly are the new rules?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fire risk assessment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Because people staying in a holiday let are unfamiliar with the accommodation and its fire risks, it\u2019s especially important that the responsible person carries out a comprehensive fire risk assessment.<\/p>\n

Owners must conduct a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment of their premises, record findings, and review it regularly. This assessment should be specific to the premises, considering potential hazards and the needs of guests. For example, if the property is likely to be used by elderly or disabled people and young children, this should be accounted for in the risk assessment.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s no legal requirement for a specialist fire risk assessor in many small holiday lets, fire risk assessments should be carried out by someone with a good understanding of the assessment and how to apply the guidance to their property. Owners who do not feel confident carrying out their own fire risk assessment may consider hiring a specialist to evaluate potential fire risks and provide guidance.<\/p>\n

To find out more about using an experienced fire risk assessor,contact us today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reducing the risk of fire hazards<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Carrying out the fire risk assessment is not enough \u2013 property owners also need to take action to reduce identified hazards. Common hazards within paying guest accommodation may include:<\/p>\n