Question to the Home Office:

Her Majesty's Government what fire safety regulations apply to short-term lettings made through online accommodation platforms such as Airbnb; and what processes are in place to ensure compliance.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to houses or flats where the premises are not occupied as a private dwelling – this would include properties which offer holiday or short term accommodation to paying guests. In the case of Airbnb and other similar web-based accommodation providers, we consider the Order would apply during the period where paying guests were staying. That is because, during this period, the property would no longer be occupied as a single private dwelling.

Under the Order, the responsible person (usually the owner or building manager) is required to undertake a fire risk assessment and put in place fire precautions that are adequate and appropriate to manage the risk that lives could be lost in a fire.

Fire and rescue authorities are the enforcing authorities for the Fire Safety Order in such accommodation. They are required to have a risk based inspection programme and management strategy in place to ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Order within their area.