Who the rules apply to
The government guide 'Making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire' applies when you charge someone to stay as a guest, for example a holiday cottage, Airbnb, B&B, glamping pod or static caravan. It covers properties of ground floor, or ground and first floor, sleeping up to 10 people with no more than four bedrooms on the first floor. Bigger properties follow the main government guidance for sleeping accommodation.
Fire risk assessment
You must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep a written record of it, including the findings. Each unit needs its own. If someone does it for you, record their name and organisation.
Smoke and heat alarms
The guide expects smoke alarms in hallways, landings, staircases, lounges, dining rooms and bedrooms, and a heat alarm in every kitchen. They should be interlinked and mains powered with a battery backup. Sealed long-life battery alarms may be acceptable as a short-term measure. Test them monthly and replace them at around 10 years.
Extinguishers and fire blankets
Guests should not be expected to fight fires. The guide says you may wish to provide a small extinguisher and/or a fire blanket in the kitchen. If staff are on site or visit regularly, firefighting equipment should be provided and staff trained. Any extinguisher you provide should be serviced every year.
Emergency lighting
You need lighting on escape routes that guests would have to use in the dark if the power failed. In the smallest properties, rechargeable torches that come on automatically in each bedroom may be acceptable, with a sign explaining them.
Doors and escape routes
In most cases solid, well-fitting conventional doors are acceptable. Hollow core doors usually need replacing with 30-minute fire doors. Exit doors must open from the inside without a key. Tell guests the escape route in your welcome pack.
Own a holiday let in the New Forest? See our Lymington and New Forest page.