Fire Safety Information Landlords Must Give Tenants (England)

As a tenant in England you have the right to clear, practical fire safety information from your landlord. This page explains the everyday details landlords should give you, the official certificates and checks to expect, and simple steps you can take if information or safety measures are missing. The guidance uses plain language for renters and covers alarms, gas and electrical checks, communal fire procedures, and who enforces standards so you can act with confidence if a problem arises.

What fire safety information your landlord must give

Your landlord should give clear written information about fire safety that helps you stay safe and know what to do in an emergency. Typical items you should receive include:

• Safety instructions showing alarm locations, how to test them, escape routes and evacuation procedures.
• Emergency contact details for the landlord or managing agent and any out-of-hours number.
• Dates of the last gas safety check (CP12) and how you can see the certificate; landlords must keep records of annual checks. Gas safety checks
• Electrical safety information including the date and findings of the most recent electrical installation condition report (EICR).
• How to report defects (smoke alarms not working, blocked routes) and the expected response times for repairs.
• Communal building procedures for blocks of flats, including any assembly points and responsibilities for shared systems.

Key laws and the tribunal that handles disputes

Relevant legislation includes the Housing Act 1988 and other landlord obligations often enforced alongside fire-safety regulations.^[1] Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements and electrical safety standards set duties landlords must meet and inform tenants about.^[2] If a landlord does not provide required information or fails safety checks you can raise the issue with the local council or apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for certain remedies.^[5]

Official forms and documents tenants should know about

Common official checks and documents you may be shown or asked about include:

• Gas safety record (often called a "CP12"): a record produced after an annual gas safety check. Example: ask to see the CP12 when you move in or after a check is completed; it proves appliances were inspected.^[3]
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): a report from a qualified electrician showing the condition of wiring and fixed electrical systems. Example: request the EICR date and summary if you notice persistent electrical faults.
• First-tier Tribunal application guidance and any downloadable application forms for property disputes: use these when informal contact and council action have not resolved a safety or information breach.^[5]

What to do if you do not get the required information

Follow clear, step-by-step actions to resolve missing fire safety information:

• Contact your landlord or managing agent in writing asking for the specific information (certificates, alarm instructions, evacuation plan) and set a reasonable deadline.
• Keep copies of messages, photos of faults, and any replies as evidence.
• If the landlord does not respond, contact your local council’s housing or environmental health service to report a fire safety or HMO concern.
• As a last step, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) where available for enforcement or remedies; follow official application guidance and forms.^[5]

FAQ

What alarms must my landlord provide and tell me about?

Your landlord must ensure working smoke alarms on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm where required, and they should tell you where they are and how to test them.^[2]

Can I ask to see safety certificates like the CP12 or EICR?

Yes. Tenants can and should ask to see the gas safety record (CP12) and the electrical inspection report. Keep copies or take photos for your records.^[3]

Who enforces fire safety if my landlord won’t act?

Your local council’s housing or environmental health team enforces many fire-safety issues; some disputes can also be taken to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).^[5]

How-To

1. Write to your landlord asking for the specific fire-safety information you need and give a clear, reasonable deadline.
2. Collect evidence: save messages, take dated photos of alarms or faults, and keep any certificate copies you are given.
3. Report the matter to your local council’s housing or environmental health department if the landlord does not respond or fix urgent issues.
4. If informal and council action fail, prepare and submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) using the official guidance and forms.^[5]

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must provide clear fire-safety instructions, alarm arrangements and safety certificates to protect tenants.
• Keep copies of certificates and written requests — documentation is essential if you need enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance — GOV.UK
• Gas safety checks for landlords — GOV.UK
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — GOV.UK

1. [1] Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms guidance - GOV.UK
3. [3] Gas safety checks - GOV.UK
4. [4] Electrical safety standards guidance - GOV.UK
5. [5] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK