Hotel Fire Safety Laws Every Owner Needs to Know
Running a hotel isn’t just about offering great service and comfortable beds. It also means keeping your guests and staff safe, especially in the event of a fire. In the UK, the law takes this responsibility seriously.
This guide explains hotel fire safety laws, to help you stay on the right side of the law.
Who is responsible for fire safety in hotels
The law places fire safety responsibilities on a specific person known as the “responsible person.” This is usually the hotel owner, employer, or anyone with control over the premises. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must:
- Carry out and regularly update a fire risk assessment
- Identify fire hazards and people at risk
- Put in place and maintain appropriate fire safety measures
- Ensure all staff are trained in fire safety procedures
- Test and maintain fire safety systems like alarms and extinguishers
This is an ongoing legal duty. Failing to meet it can result in fines, prosecution, or worse.
What your hotel fire risk assessment should include
A fire risk assessment is the foundation of your fire safety responsibilities. It needs to identify potential hazards such as faulty wiring or commercial kitchen risks. You must also assess who could be at risk, especially guests with disabilities or limited mobility.
The assessment should then outline how risks will be reduced or removed, what fire detection and escape systems are in place, and how those systems are maintained. If your hotel employs five or more people or holds a licence, you are legally required to write down the assessment. Even if you’re exempt, having a written record shows that you’re taking the duty seriously.
Official guidance: Fire Risk Assessment for Sleeping Accommodation
Common fire safety mistakes in hotels
Many hotel owners assume they’re compliant until an inspection (or worse, an actual emergency) proves otherwise. Common mistakes include not having a fire risk assessment, or using one that hasn’t been reviewed in years. Fire doors are sometimes wedged open or don’t close properly, while extinguishers may be missing, expired, or never tested. Fire alarms are often neglected too, either not tested weekly or not professionally serviced every six months as required. Staff training is another weak spot, with many team members unclear on what to do during a fire. Add in poor escape signage or lack of emergency lighting, and even small oversights can quickly become serious safety risks.
How often you need to test hotel fire alarms
Hotel fire alarms must be tested regularly to stay compliant with BS 5839-1:2017, the British Standard for commercial fire detection systems. That means:
- Weekly testing by a member of your team
- 6-monthly servicing by a competent fire safety contractor
Failing to test your system not only risks lives but can also void your insurance and attract penalties during a fire inspection.
Also read: How Often Should Hotels Review and Test Their Fire Alarm System?
Fire safety records your hotel needs to keep
Just doing the checks isn’t enough. You must be able to prove them. Fire authorities will ask to see evidence that you’re meeting your duties. Keep clear records of:
- Your fire risk assessment and reviews
- Weekly fire alarm tests
- Fire extinguisher servicing certificates
- Emergency lighting checks
- Fire drills and staff training
- Maintenance of safety equipment
Without records, it may appear that nothing has been done, even if it has.
How often do hotels get fire inspections?
There is no fixed schedule for fire inspections in hotels. Local Fire and Rescue Services carry out unannounced audits based on risk, complaints, or licensing activity. In 2023–24, there were over 51,000 fire safety audits in England alone.
Many hotels were found to be non-compliant, especially smaller ones where fire safety is often informal or outdated.
What happens if you don’t follow the fire safety rules?
Ignoring fire safety laws can have serious consequences. Fire services can issue Enforcement Notices demanding urgent improvements or Prohibition Notices to shut down parts of your hotel. Fines can be severe, sometimes reaching six figures. For serious or repeated breaches, criminal prosecution is possible, with prison terms of up to two years.
Insurers may also refuse to pay out if you didn’t follow basic legal requirements. And ultimately, the risk to life is real. Delays caused by faulty alarms or blocked escape routes can cost lives.
Do small hotels and B&Bs have to follow the same rules?
If you run a small guesthouse or B&B in Newcastle or anywhere else in the UK, the same laws still apply. The Fire Safety Order 2005 covers all premises where guests sleep, except private single-family homes.
That means you still need:
- A fire risk assessment
- Smoke and heat alarms in relevant areas
- Escape routes and clear signage
- Fire doors where appropriate
- Basic training for anyone involved in running the business
Even if you only host a few guests, you could still face inspection and enforcement if found non-compliant.
Summary of hotel fire safety requirements
| Requirement | How Often | Who Should Do It |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Annually or after major changes | Responsible person or assessor |
| Fire Alarm Testing | Weekly (test), 6-monthly (service) | Staff and professionals |
| Fire Extinguishers | Annual servicing | Certified technician |
| Emergency Lighting | Monthly checks, yearly test | Qualified electrician |
| Staff Training | Every 6-12 months or after new hires | Responsible person |
| Fire Drills | Twice per year (recommended) | On-site manager or fire lead |
| Record Keeping | Ongoing | Responsible person |
Get a free fire safety quote for your hotel
Fire safety doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge, support, and systems in place, you can stay fully compliant and protect the people who rely on you. If you run a hotel, B&B or guesthouse in Newcastle, Jackson Fire & Security can help.
We provide expert fire risk assessments, alarm servicing, staff training, and full compliance support tailored to the hospitality industry.
Contact our team today at 0191 300 5866 and stay safe, compliant, and confident in your responsibilities.