Blog: Short-term lets, fabrics, wallpapers and fire regulations

With the growing popularity of property investors turning their single, long-term let properties into short-term lets, such as Serviced Accommodation, AirB&Bs or Holiday Lets, many are unaware of their responsibilities for fire safety in terms of the of the fabrics, upholstery (including mattresses) and wallpapers.

As a landlord or short-term let provider you may be well informed about fire regulations relating to doors, smoke alarms and such like, but what about fabrics, upholstery and wallpapers? Did you know there are different levels of fire retardancy? The topic of Fire Safety for soft furnishing fabrics, upholstery and wallpaper is often overlooked. It is a huge subject with complicated, often ambiguous rules and guidelines open to different interpretations depending on the use of the property. 

A hotel is clearly commercial use and a family home is clearly domestic use, but the renting of a property for a short stay can be classed as either dependent on the circumstances. There are extensive guidelines available for both domestic and commercial premises (see 'Useful links' below), but the short-term let categories mentioned above fall into a grey area with no prescribed rules. However, your choices would be scrutinised in the event of a fire with potentially serious consequences if your decisions where deemed inadequate.