Fire Safety in Rental Properties – What Every Inventory Clerk Should Know
Fire Safety in Rental Properties – What Every Inventory Clerk Should Know
Fire safety is more than compliance – it’s about saving lives. That was the clear message from the AIIC’s recent webinar, where guest speaker Michelle White from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service provided an in-depth look at fire safety obligations for landlords, agents, and inventory clerks.
Why This Matters for Inventory Clerks
As AIIC Chair Stuart Walker highlighted, clerks are often the first and last people to enter a property during a tenancy. This makes us uniquely positioned to spot issues, check alarms, and confirm that compliance measures are in place. Offering fire safety checks isn’t just a compliance safeguard – it’s also a way to add value and strengthen client relationships.
Key Legal Updates
Michelle outlined the evolving fire safety landscape:
– Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations: Introduced in 2015, updated in 2022. Apply to private landlords, social housing, and unlicensed HMOs. Smoke alarms must be fitted on every storey used as living accommodation. Carbon monoxide alarms are required wherever there is a fixed combustion appliance (including gas boilers).
– Enforcement: Local authorities are responsible for enforcement. Non-compliance with remedial notices may lead to fines of up to £5,000.
– Building Safety Act 2022 (Section 156): Introduced after Grenfell. Fire risk assessments must now cover communal areas, balconies, external walls, and flat entrance doors. Residents must be informed about fire risks and safety measures.
Practical Compliance Guidance
Michelle also shared practical tips for day-to-day compliance:
– Alarm types: Ionisation detectors respond quickly to fast fires but give false alarms; photoelectric alarms are better for smouldering fires; heat detectors are suitable for kitchens.
– Maintenance: Alarms should be tested weekly; batteries replaced annually; battery units replaced every 10 years; mains-wired alarms must be replaced like-for-like and interconnected in line with BS 5839-6.
– Carbon monoxide alarms: Should be 1–3m from appliances, 15cm below ceiling level.
– Tenant engagement: Landlords must show evidence of attempts to gain access for checks.
– Special considerations: Fire doors should be checked, and vulnerable tenants may require adapted alarms under the Equality Act 2010.
The Business Case for Clerks
As Stuart noted, inventory clerks who can demonstrate fire safety knowledge stand out as trusted professionals. Offering fire alarm checks within inventories and inspections not only supports compliance but also builds stronger ties with landlords and agents.
The benefits include
- Convenience – more convenient for busy agencies and landlords who don’t then have to find someone else to do the work
- Compliance – many landlords and agents don’t understand the requirements. This is where your experience comes in
- Cheaper – Stuart mentioned invoices he’d seen where landlords were charged £70 for a battery alarm
- Income – you won’t make a fortune selling alarms but they do help your bottom line.
Final Thoughts
This webinar marked the start of a new series of AIIC events designed to provide extra value to members. With fire safety now under sharper legal and public scrutiny, it’s never been more important for clerks to understand their role in keeping tenants safe.
Want to know more?
You can get the slide deck by clicking the download button below
Check out the full webinar by clicking here
Check out further resources as provided by Michelle
www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b
Published on 25/08/2025