Fire regulation compliance

[Jane2755]

We have two Airbnb properties but also a hotel. We recently had our fire inspection (which we passed), but had an interesting discussion with the fire brigade. He told me EVERYONE who takes payment for accommodation has to comply with the fire regulations (whether it is a 1 bed Airbnb or a big hotel). There are potential risks to life and huge fines for non compliance and they are not accepting ignorance of the law as a defence. With this in mind I asked our local tourism association to set up a talk on compliance in our area (Tenby). It’s open to anyone in Pembrokeshire to attend. It’s on the 24th March. Please message me for more info or visit the Pembrokeshire Tourism FB page for a link to get a ticket. Well worth knowing what the requirements are

[Erica1018]

My understanding is that, since 1971 (when the Fire Precautions Act came in), small B&Bs and Guest Houses in England and Wales have NOT been required to have a Fire Certificate, if they have under 6 bed spaces and no rooms above the first floor or below the ground floor. 

(Not that this applies to us)

[Jane2755]

From our conversation with the fire brigade they state: 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Came in to force in October 2006. It repealed the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and Revoked the (Workplace) Regulations 1997. The RRFSO 2005 applies to all premises except single private dwellings and certain specific sites. Any premises that has paying guests however small will be regulated under this law.

We really need to get the message out to all Airbnb's that none of them are exempt from fire regulations and can be fined huge amounts for non compliance. The fire service are not taking ignorance of the law as an excuse and since Grenfell they have been particularly harsh with fines. So we need to spread the word to help owners ensure they are safe and compliant