Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment for a One-Bed Flat Used as an Airbnb?
It’s a common question from hosts: “My property is just a small one-bed flat — do I really need a fire risk assessment if I use it as an Airbnb?”
The answer is clear: yes, you do.
Why size doesn’t matter
When a property is let out as an Airbnb, holiday let, or other short-term rental, it is classed as a business activity. That means it falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which makes a fire risk assessment a legal requirement.
It doesn’t matter if it’s:
A studio apartment
A one-bed flat
A family house
If you’re renting it to paying guests, you must have a fire risk assessment.
Why even small flats need an FRA
You might think a one-bed flat is “low risk,” but fire safety is about hazards, not square footage. Even small properties can have risks, such as:
Missing or battery-only smoke alarms
No carbon monoxide alarm where required
Doors that aren’t fire-safe
Kitchens close to escape routes
Confusing layouts for guests who don’t know the property
Guests unfamiliar with your flat may not react safely in a fire. An FRA helps you identify and fix risks before they cause harm.
What an FRA covers in a short let
A professional fire risk assessment for a one-bed Airbnb or holiday let will check:
Are alarms interlinked and correctly installed?
Is a carbon monoxide alarm present where needed?
Are doors and windows safe for escape?
Is the exit route clear and usable?
Are basic fire precautions (like a fire blanket in the kitchen) in place?
Why it matters for hosts
It’s the law → Airbnb hosts must comply with fire safety legislation.
It protects your guests → Safety is part of being a responsible host.
It protects your business → Without an FRA, you could face fines, or invalidated insurance after a fire.
Final word
If you’re using a one-bed flat (or any property) as an Airbnb or short let, a fire risk assessment is not optional — it’s required by law.
At Emberline Risk, we make compliance simple. Our plain-English reports give you clear steps to keep your guests safe and your property protected.