As A Landlord, What Are The Fire Safety Insurance Requirements?

Your current property owners insurance policy may be subject to certain fire precautions, which are outlined in your policy document (schedule or wording) or on your renewal notice, and which may be over and above that which is required by law. These could also be referred to as the fire safety insurance requirements.  Make sure you read and understand them and put them in to operation without delay, as failure to comply may result in declinature of a future claim. The various Housing Standards and Fire Safety Acts outline what is required in rental properties.

It stipulates that in single residential houses there must be access to a fire blanket and fire detection and alarm system. In multi-unit buildings, there must be a fire detection and alarm system, an emergency evacuation plan and emergency lighting in common areas. Fire safety equipment must be maintained. (correct at 02.05.2024).

However some insurers will require more than this, especially in instances where there may be increased potential for fire. Examples might be a restaurant with deep fat fryers requiring the need for Gas Shut off valves or ANSUL suppression systems, a Metal Worker requiring a hot works permit and safety procedure, a Wood working risk necessitating the need for regular cleaning by qualified professionals of the dust extraction systems.

If you have recently upgraded your fire alarm system and installed smoke / heat detectors throughout your property and installed fire extinguishers / fire blankets also, make sure to notify your insurer as you may be entitled to a premium discount at next renewal with increased fire safety insurance requirements having now been implemented.