What Fire Safety Responsibilities Do Estate Agents Have?
For estate agents in the UK, responsibilities go far beyond simply marketing and managing properties. With fire safety laws becoming stricter in recent years, estate agents also have an important role to play in ensuring the homes and buildings they oversee remain compliant.
Failing to meet these responsibilities can put tenants at risk, harm an agent’s reputation, and even result in legal penalties. So, what exactly are the fire safety responsibilities estate agents must be aware of? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Role of the “Responsible Person”
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic property and common area in residential buildings must have a designated “responsible person.” This is usually the landlord or building owner, but estate and managing agents can also take on this duty, depending on their contract or role.
If you’re managing properties on behalf of landlords, you may be legally required to organise and oversee fire safety measures. Even when not directly responsible, estate agents are expected to guide landlords, highlight issues, and ensure compliance is not overlooked.
Fire Safety Responsibilities for Estate Agents
While each property is unique, estate agents often have responsibilities that include:
1. Arranging Fire Risk Assessments
Every building with communal areas, such as flats or HMOs, must have a fire risk assessment carried out and regularly reviewed. Estate agents who manage properties should ensure this is completed by a competent, accredited assessor.
Choosing a trusted provider like Fire Stoppers, who are BAFE-accredited for Fire Risk Assessments, ensures assessments meet national standards and protect both tenants and landlords.
2. Checking Fire Alarm Systems
Estate agents need to confirm that fire alarm systems are properly installed, regularly tested, and maintained. If you manage HMOs or larger residential blocks, weekly fire alarm checks are often expected, alongside professional maintenance. Fire Stoppers is BAFE-accredited for fire alarm design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, making us a reliable partner for estate agents across Nottingham and the Midlands.
3. Emergency Lighting and Signage
Properties with shared spaces must have emergency lighting and clear fire exit signage. Estate agents should make sure these are tested monthly and remain in good working order, coordinating maintenance where required.
4. Fire Extinguishers and Equipment
For HMOs, offices, or mixed-use properties, estate agents may need to ensure fire extinguishers are available, serviced annually, and accessible to occupants.
5. Fire Doors and Compartmentation
Fire doors are a legal requirement in most rental properties, particularly HMOs. Estate agents must check that fire doors are correctly fitted, inspected, and maintained. Fire Stoppers provides independent fire door inspections to ensure compliance.
6. Keeping Records
Documentation is just as important as carrying out checks. Estate agents should maintain clear records of risk assessments, testing schedules, and maintenance. In the event of a fire or audit, these records provide crucial evidence of compliance.
Why Accreditation and Expertise Matter
Estate agents can’t afford to take risks with fire safety. Appointing accredited professionals ensures compliance is managed correctly and reduces liability. For example, Fire Stoppers’ BAFE accreditations demonstrate that we meet strict standards for fire risk assessments and fire alarms.
By partnering with an accredited provider, estate agents gain:
- Peace of mind that fire safety is handled by competent experts.
- Confidence in compliance reduces the risk of fines or legal action.
- A smoother service for landlords, making your agency stand out as professional and reliable.
Fire Stoppers: Supporting Estate Agents Across the Midlands
At Fire Stoppers, we work closely with estate agents, landlords, and property managers within a 30-mile radius of Nottingham. Our services cover everything an estate agent needs to stay compliant, including:
- BAFE-certified fire risk assessments
- BAFE-certified fire alarm services (design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance)
- Fire door inspections
- Fire stopping and compartmentation works
- Emergency lighting, extinguishers, and compliance packages
We also offer complete one-stop shop packages, tailored to estate agents who manage multiple properties. This takes the hassle out of weekly and monthly checks, ensuring all responsibilities are covered by one trusted team.
Final Thoughts
Estate agents play a critical role in fire safety compliance. Whether you’re directly managing safety checks or advising landlords, your responsibility is to ensure properties are safe, compliant, and legally covered.
By working with accredited providers like Fire Stoppers, estate agents in Nottingham and across the Midlands can be confident that fire safety is in expert hands.
If you’re an estate agent looking for support with fire risk assessments, alarms, or full compliance packages, contact Fire Stoppers today. Together, we’ll keep your properties safe, your tenants protected, and your agency compliant.
