Latest Fire Safety Regulations for Holiday Accommodation
Fire Safety Regulations have changed for holiday lets. This means that small holiday accommodation owners must ensure their properties adhere to the UK Government’s latest guidance to comply.
The well-being and safety of holiday guests will be high on the agenda when it comes to fire safety, and there are stringent guidelines and criteria that must be met to both protect and prevent potential fire hazards within a range of small holiday accommodations.
There are a number of potential hazards when it comes to fire within a property. Electrical faults via installation and equipment are one of the most common causes making it essential to undertake regular safety inspections.
Diamond Services, Company Director, Martin Barmby commented on the Government’s Fire Safety Regulations: “According to Gov.uk, in 2020, there were approximately 19,300 accidental fires of electrical origin each year in the UK. One of the most common causes of electrical fires is faulty sockets. Other examples include faults in appliance cords, receptacles, and switches.”
Martin continued: “These causes can easily be mitigated by only using qualified electricians with the correct credentials and by carrying out regular maintenance and checks where appropriate. It’s just not worth the risk to your guests, your finances, or reputation.”
The latest fire safety regulations apply specifically to small holiday accommodation. This includes:
- Single premises on the ground or first floor, or providing sleeping accommodation for a maximum of 10 persons, with no more than four bedrooms on the first floor, such as houses, cottages, and chalets.
- Individual flats whether in a purpose-built block of flats or a house that has been converted into flats.
- Smaller types of outdoor accommodation such as holiday caravans, camping and glamping pods, lodges, shepherds’ huts, tents, tree houses, and yurts.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
The guidance means that it is now compulsory to regularly inspect equipment in line with regulations through an EICR every five years. This entails testing and identifying any damage, defects, or deterioration to electrics throughout the residence.
The report determines any factors that may cause danger and highlight areas where improvement for safe and effective energy supply could be advantageous. Detecting these flaws early, will not only protect guests, it will protect the property from future incidents. A much more proactive approach, helping make savings by fixing the issue at a time when repair is possible and avoiding expensive replacements.
Emergency Lighting
Property owners will need to install adequate emergency lighting to facilitate a safe escape from the property if a fire breaks out. A suitable backup source is required in case of electrical supply failure. You should take into account external lighting and other lighting that isn’t dependent on the property’s circuitry, such as night lights, accessible torches, or specialist emergency LED lighting. Solutions can include single self-contained units right through to large central battery systems.
Highlights from the guidance are:
- Conduct a fire risk assessment for your premises
- Employ a qualified electrician to conduct a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Install mains powered smoke and heat alarms in all bedrooms and common areas such as the kitchen
- Provide clear well-signed escape routes from your premises
- Store flammable materials safely
- Maintain your fire safety equipment in good working order
A full guide including a fire risk assessment checklist can be found here. If you are responsible for the premises, you are legally responsible for making sure you comply with the law.
When seeking an electrician for installation, maintenance or to conduct an EICR report, they must be NICEIC Certified. Visit the NICEIC website to make sure.
Does your holiday property comply with the electrical updates? For help with electrical and fire safety measures get in touch to find out more, or call us on 01603 531352.