fire brigade tenants safety

Fire safety and rented properties explained

If you live in a rented home – or rent business premises – you have rights. Your landlord should make sure that your accommodation meets fire safety standards. They also need to keep you informed of what to do in an emergency, and make evacuation plans available.

Fire precautions landlords should organise

All flat front doors and doors on shared corridors and staircases must be ‘self-closing’ fire doors fire doors

These doors must be free to ‘self-close’ properly – not be held or wedged open. They are designed to stop the spread of fire.

There shouldn't be things stored in corridors or staircases – this can block escape routes and stop firefighters doing their job. If there is a fire, clutter in shared areas can feed it and see it spread faster, so it's much safer to keep these areas clear.

Everyone who lives or works in the building needs to know the evacuation plan.

Fire safety at home

If you live in a rented flat or maisonette, there are some areas of fire safety that are really important to be aware of.

If you live in a block of flats, don't use your balcony as an extra storage space – though it can be handy to have the extra space indoors, balconies packed with flammable items can cause a fire to spread much more quickly.

If you live above a shop, restaurant or other business, take a look at our living above business premises fire safety guide.

Know your escape plan – if there is a fire that isn't inside your flat, it can be much safer to stay put.

Be fire safety aware – there's lots of helpful advice over in our home fire safety section.

Consider a free home fire safety visit – we can visit you at home at a time that's convenient to you, give you lots of helpful advice on fire safety, and even fit free smoke alarms if you need them.

Worried about a fire risk?

If you're concerned about a potential fire risk, let us know. We just need a few details and then we can offer advice or take action.

Tenants' rights and fire safety.

As a tenant, you have rights when it comes to fire prevention. Find out more about how your landlord should consider your safety.