How to protect holiday lets from fire and CO hazards this winter

For landlords and property managers running holiday lets, ensuring fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety during autumn and winter is essential. Cold weather increases reliance on heating systems and wood burners, creating higher fire and CO risks.

This guide outlines practical steps to maintain compliance, manage winter risks, and protect guests.

Legal obligations for holiday let owners

Holiday let operators in the UK must meet clear compliance standards to protect guests and stay within the law. Key requirements include:

• Smoke alarms: Required on every storey of a property used for sleeping accommodation. (GOV.UK)
• CO alarms: Required in any room containing solid fuel-burning appliances, such as wood or coal fires (GOV.UK).
• Fire risk assessments: Written risk assessments are mandatory for holiday lets and should be updated annually or whenever significant property changes occur. These assessments identify hazards, outline controls, and demonstrate compliance.

Non-compliance can result in fines or legal action, and landlords must be prepared to show evidence of adherence to regulations.

Seasonal risks in holiday lets

Autumn and winter bring specific challenges for holiday lets in the UK:

• Increased heating use: Tenants may be unfamiliar with heating systems, creating potential misuse or malfunction risks.
• Open fires and wood burners: Common in rural properties, these appliances can emit CO if poorly maintained.
• Cold weather: Frost and low temperatures can impact alarm performance if units are not regularly maintained.
• Holiday decorations: Seasonal lighting and decorations pose additional fire hazards.

Landlords should factor these risks into their operational planning and guest guidance to ensure safety during winter lets.

Importance of regular testing and maintenance

Regular testing and maintenance of alarms is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity. During the colder months, when heating systems, fireplaces, and seasonal decorations are in use, landlords may find that more frequent testing is advisable to account for the increased risks.

• Test alarms monthly (or more frequently in winter): Verify that smoke, heat, and CO alarms are fully operational, especially when appliances are in heavier use.
• Replace batteries annually: For battery-operated alarms or as part of a hybrid system, ensuring backup power is always available.
• Replace expired alarms: Most alarms have a 10-year lifespan. Expired devices can fail without warning and should be replaced promptly.

Regular checks, supported by additional inspections during high-risk winter periods, help landlords stay compliant, demonstrate due care, and safeguard guests in their holiday lets.

Choosing the right alarms for holiday lets

Selecting alarms appropriate for different areas of a holiday let is essential:

• Smoke alarms: Ideal for living areas and hallways to detect slow-burning or smouldering fires.
• Heat alarms: Best suited for kitchens or garages where smoke alarms might trigger false alarms due to cooking or dust.
• CO alarms: Crucial in rooms containing solid fuel or gas appliances to detect dangerous carbon monoxide.

FireAngel’s range includes combination alarms that detect both smoke and CO, offering comprehensive protection in a single unit. Proper selection and placement of alarms reduces risk, simplifies maintenance, and ensures compliance with regulations.

Winter risks in holiday lets, from cold weather to increased heating use, make fire and CO safety a priority for landlords, property managers and trades professionals. Regular risk assessments, the right alarms and consistent maintenance are essential for compliance and guest protection.

If any alarms in your properties have reached their replacement date, it’s important to update them. Using FireAngel alarms helps ensure your holiday lets remain compliant and safe. Our Customer Service Team can provide guidance on selecting the right alarms for each property and support you with any questions about installation or maintenance.