Fire Safety for Landlords: 10 Costly Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Being a landlord means protecting people and property — and proving compliance. UK law expects you to install the right alarms, test and service them, and document what you’ve done. Getting this wrong risks fines, invalid insurance, and real harm. Below are the 10 mistakes we see most often, with quick fixes you can apply today.

The mistake: Treating the assessment like a tick-box or not doing one at all.
Why it matters: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must identify and manage fire risks (this covers common areas and many HMOs).
Fix: Commission a competent assessment and review it regularly or whenever the layout/use changes.

The mistake: Using domestic stand-alone detectors where a system is required.
Why it matters: BS 5839-6 guides domestic premises (including HMOs) and typically expects Grade A, Category LD2 in larger/more complex HMOs; smaller/shared houses may require Grade D1 LD2 depending on risk.
Fix: Match the Grade (A, C, D1/D2) and Category (LD1/LD2/LD3) to the actual risk and layout — based on the fire risk assessment.

The mistake: Not fitting CO alarms beyond solid-fuel rooms.
Why it matters: Since 1 October 2022, private landlords in England must have at least one smoke alarm on each storey and a CO alarm in any room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers); you must repair/replace faulty alarms when told.
Fix: Audit every let: smoke alarms each storey; CO alarms wherever there’s a boiler or other fixed combustion appliance; keep records.

The mistake: Alarms rarely tested; no logbook; unclear service intervals.
Why it matters: BS 5839 expects routine testing/maintenance; councils look for evidence (logs, service sheets).
Fix:

• Weekly user tests (documented)

• 6-monthly professional servicing for systems in HMOs where required

• Simple, up-to-date logbook (tests, faults, actions)

See our Fire Alarm Maintenance services.

The mistake: Evacuation routes go dark in a power cut.
Fix: Install emergency lighting on escape routes, test monthly, and service annually.

The mistake: Ordinary internal doors on kitchens/bedrooms; closers removed.
Fix: Fit rated doors (often FD30) with self-closers where required; maintain hinges, latches, intumescent strips.

The mistake: Storage in corridors; locks or keys that slow exit; wedged fire doors.
Fix: House rules + inspections. Keep routes clear; ensure final exits open easily without a key.

Why it matters: False alarms waste time and money, and damage trust.
Fix: Use multi-sensor/optical detectors in the right locations; service regularly; educate tenants (cooking/steam triggers).

The mistake: Tenants don’t know what weekly tests are or what to do if alarms sound.
Fix: Provide a simple Fire Safety Info Sheet on move-in: how to test, what the signals mean, where exits are, who to call.

The mistake: Assuming “we’ll be fine” until an inspection or incident.
Fix: Close gaps proactively; keep documentation; work with accredited providers (e.g., SSAIB-approved).

• Since 1 Oct 2022, English landlords must fit smoke alarms on each storey and CO alarms in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) and must repair/replace faulty alarms when informed.

• False alarms remain a significant share of fire service callouts nationally, creating avoidable costs and disruption for landlords and tenants.

• BS 5839-6 (2019+A1:2020) guides domestic/HMO alarm design; larger HMOs often require Grade A LD2; smaller/shared houses can be Grade D1 LD2 based on risk.

Do I need a fire risk assessment for a rented house?

• Fire alarm design & installation to BS 5839-6 for HMOs and rentals

• Fire alarm maintenance contracts with logs and reminders

• Emergency lighting installation and testing

• Tenant-friendly documentation and compliance packs

Need a landlord fire-safety check in Hull & East Yorkshire? Contact us today for a free compliance review.