Are Fire Risk Assessments necessary for Holiday Cottages!

[Guest LizKLen]

I recently stayed in a holiday cottage in Scotland, could you tell me if Holiday lets are included in premises that are subject to a Fire Safety Order?

[Tom Sutton]

Yes they are but are not subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Scotland has its own fire safety law The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. For detailed info check out http://www.firelawscotland.org/.

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[Guest BenKh]

Dear Sir
I am a landlord managing a number of commercial/ residential properties.
I want ensure I comply with the law in all properties.
Can I be my own Responsible Person or do I have to engage professionals.
If professionals what qualification should they have?

[Tom Sutton]

As an RP you can conduct a fire risk assessment and you are responsible for it no matter who does it. However I would suggest you only consider small uncomplicated premises and use the free guides available from the DCLG. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/ and http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ also http://www.firesafe.org.uk.

There are two publications to assist you in selection a competent person they are A Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor and Competency Criteria for Fire Risk Assessors.

Check out http://www.fia.uk.com/en/info/document_summary.cfm/docid/E6479C4F-E267-4DD4-8B55A6930C685F13 and http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/FRA%20Competency%20Criteria

[Tom Sutton]

When you ask a question you need to to be precise when describing the premises. Ben above states "commercial/ residential properties" what does this mean, offices, shops, factories, workshops, flats, houses, holiday lets because to decide if they apply to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 you need a full description also helps in deciding who the Responsible Person (RP) is.