Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) is reminding owners and managers of holiday lets, Airbnb properties and other short-term rental accommodation about the important upcoming changes and their responsibilities to keep guests safe from fire.
A new national registration scheme for short-term lets in England is expected to be introduced in 2026 by the UK Government. While further details will follow, it will place greater emphasis on safety standards across the sector, including fire safety.
This is a timely opportunity for all property owners and managers to review their current arrangements and make sure they are meeting existing legal requirements.
Fire Safety Responsibilities
If you let out a property to paying guests, you already have a legal duty to make sure it is safe, including taking appropriate fire safety measures.
Government guidance makes it clear that owners must follow relevant fire safety advice depending on the size and type of their accommodation:
- Small premises (sleeping no more than 10 people and no more than two storeys):
You must follow guidance from UK government on making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire. - Larger or more complex properties:
You must follow the national sleeping accommodation fire safety guidance from UK government.
This guidance outlines practical steps to help protect paying guests, as well as property owners and managers.
Why This Matters
Holiday and short-term let accommodation often changes occupants frequently, meaning guests may be unfamiliar with the layout of a property or emergency procedures. This increases the importance of:
- Clearly marked and accessible escape routes
- Working smoke detection systems (smoke alarms)
- Providing fire safety information to guests
- Regularly reviewing and maintaining safety measures, such as carbon monoxide detection
Although the new national registration scheme is not yet in force, HFRS is encouraging owners and managers of holiday lets, Airbnb properties and other short-term rental accommodation to act now. Acting early can help reduce the risk of fire and make sure paying guests can escape safely in an emergency.
Detailed guidance on running a holiday let safely, including fire safety requirements, can be found on the GOV.UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/letting-out-a-self-catering-holiday-home-in-england-rules-and-regulations#fire-safety