As the warmer weather approaches, many holiday rental, Airbnb and campervan owners will be getting ready for the new season’s guests. A vital part of preparing the property is checking it complies with fire safety regulations. This is a legal obligation – it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the safety of their guests and property.

Here, we look at the UK holiday home and Airbnb fire regulations all owners should know, from essential fire safety equipment required to choosing reliable fire extinguishers for camper van stays and holiday lets.

The legal responsibilities of a holiday home owner

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary legislation in the UK for fire safety in non-domestic properties. Holiday home owners are responsible for ensuring properties comply with these fire safety standards.

The first step to meeting holiday let or Airbnb fire safety requirements is carrying out a fire risk assessment. This means evaluating potential fire hazards in a property and identifying measures to remove or reduce those risks.

Install and maintain fire safety equipment 

To comply with fire regulations, ensure holiday homes are equipped with relevant fire safety equipment, as specified in the fire safety risk assessment. This includes smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets, all fitted in locations that are easy to access in the event of a fire. It’s important to carry out regular checks to ensure fire safety equipment is in good working order and well maintained.

Find the right holiday rental fire extinguisher 

From log cabins to guest houses, a holiday home should have a good multi-purpose fire extinguisher fitted on each floor, such as the CommanderEDGE MultiCHEM – a high-performance multi-class fire extinguisher capable of tackling Class A, B, and F fires. Hallways, commercial kitchens, and outdoor spaces may benefit from products in the Commander range, while front-of-house hospitality areas can blend safety with style with the Contempo range. 

Fire extinguishers should always be clearly marked with fire extinguisher ID signs, well maintained, and in a place where they are easily accessible in the event of a fire. Note that powder fire extinguishers are no longer considered suitable for use within buildings.

Choose a compact camper van fire extinguisher 

Camper van trips are becoming an increasingly popular choice for holidaymakers. Whether renting out a camper van to guests or personally enjoying the “van life”, it’s vital to take fire safety precautions.

In order to comply with fire safety legislation, all camper vans in the UK must be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher suitable for Class A, B and F fires. The best fire extinguisher for camper van holiday homes is also always a compact one due to the size of the space. For this reason, the multi-purpose CommanderEDGE MultiCHEM makes another great addition, in space-saving two-litre and three-litre units. 

Keeping a well-maintained fire extinguisher in a camper van is not only vital for keeping guests safe if renting it out, it will also keep owners safe when using it for personal use. A smoke alarm is also required, and must be regularly maintained so it’s in good working order. 

Have a fire safety plan in place

A major part of keeping guests safe is making sure they know what to do in the event of a fire. Ensure a plan for evacuation, which may include escape routes and emergency exits, as well as how and when to use the fire safety equipment in the property. 

Keep a written copy of this plan in a property and ensure guests read it as part of their welcome pack, so they’re familiar with procedures in the event of a fire.

Clear signage is also vital to ensuring everybody knows where they need to go if a fire breaks out, so make sure exits are well signed. We currently have a bulk buy offer on fire safety signs which is perfect for holiday rental owners preparing for the new season.

Airbnb fire safety guidelines suggest providing guests with a list of common-sense fire safety tips relevant to each property, such as staying in the kitchen when using the stove and only smoking or lighting bonfires in designated areas.

With thorough preparation and regular checks, holiday home and camper van owners can rest easy in the knowledge they are compliant with the law and doing everything possible to ensure the safety of their guests in the event of a fire.

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