How to Protect Your Bristol Rental from Fire

How to Protect Your Bristol Rental from Fire

Did you know that a blaze is seven times more likely to start in a rental property than in a home occupied by the owner?*

It's a shocking statistic that underlines the need for landlords to prioritise fire safety.

So, let's look at how to keep your tenants and property safe.

Follow the law

Landlords must follow strict rules on issues such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, gas and electrical safety checks and the provision of unobstructed escape routes.

We won't go into too much detail here as there's a lot of ground to cover** (if you'd like to know more, contact us directly).

But let's be clear, landlords have a duty of care to their tenants. There's no excuse for not knowing or following the law.

Is meeting your legal obligations enough? 

As fire can have such a devastating impact, we’d argue it's best to go above and beyond the bare minimum.

Here are some other common fire risks and tips to address them.

Plug sockets

Overloading an extension lead with multiple appliances, especially power-hungry toasters, clothes dryers and microwaves, can be a recipe for disaster.

Tip

During inspections, take note of the plug sockets in the property. Are they in good condition? (If they look damaged, seek professional advice.) If you see sockets overloaded with appliances or adapters, raise the issue with your tenants.

Electrical goods

Old or faulty electrical goods are another common cause of fire. It’s best practice to have electrical goods that you have supplied to the property PAT tested (in Scotland and within some local council licencing schemes it’s a requirement).

Tip

Keep records and manuals of all the electrical goods supplied to the property, and don't delay when they need replacing. Red flags to look out for include burn marks on the plug, frayed cables and loose wires.

Cigarettes and candles

There are many reports of fires starting after a smoker drifts off and drops a lit cigarette or when the flame of a candle (often left unattended) catches curtains or carpets. 

Tip

Include a clause banning smoking indoors in the rental agreement. You could also include clauses prohibiting tenants from bringing flammable goods on-site or using candles. If these conditions are already in the contract, ensure your tenant understands why they're there.

Time to talk

One of the best ways to promote fire safety is to talk to your tenants about it. They'll most likely welcome your proactive approach to their safety.

Let Us Help You Manage Your Rental Property Safely

As a landlord, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants is a top priority. At Sarah Clark Property Consultants, we offer expert property management services in Bristol that go beyond the basics to help you maintain a safe, compliant, and well-managed rental property.

We can assist with regular inspections, fire safety checks, and ensuring all safety measures are in place, from smoke alarms to electrical safety. Our experienced team works closely with landlords to ensure that their properties are not only safe but also appealing to prospective tenants.

Ready to get started? Visit our Property Management for Landlords page for more details on how we can support you, or Contact Us to discuss your property management needs.

*Source: Firemark
**Different rules may apply for HMOs, student accommodation and holiday lets.

Thanks for reading

Sarah