Holiday Let Compliance Checklist: Fire Safety, Gas Safety & Licensing Explained

Compliance isn't the most exciting part of running a holiday let — but it protects your guests, your property and your income, and insurers increasingly expect owners to demonstrate they meet it.

Fire Safety

Interlinked smoke alarms on each floor, a heat alarm in the kitchen, a CO alarm near any fuel-burning appliance, a fire extinguisher and blanket in the kitchen, clear escape routes with a fire action notice, and furniture meeting UK Fire Safety Regulations (check for the permanent label, especially on older or inherited furniture). Larger properties should consider a fire risk assessment; many insurers now ask for one.

Gas Safety

A valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), renewed annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, is a legal requirement for any gas appliances. Keep a copy on-site and available to guests.

Electrical Safety

An EICR every 5 years checks the fixed wiring is safe. PAT testing portable appliances (kettles, hairdryers) annually is also sensible, particularly in high-turnover properties.

EPC

Holiday lets typically need a valid EPC, renewed every 10 years.

Licensing & Registration

Requirements vary by council and are evolving — check current rules directly with Dorset Council, New Forest District Council, or Wiltshire Council, since this area changes.

Simple Checklist

• Interlinked smoke alarms + CO alarm tested
• Fire extinguisher & blanket in place
• Valid Gas Safety Certificate
• EICR within 5 years
• Valid EPC
• Fire-safety-labelled furniture
• Checked current local licensing rules

Staying on top of this protects guests and your investment — it's exactly the groundwork we handle for every property we manage, so owners don't have to chase certificates themselves.