Fire safety measures
Fire safety measures in leasehold flats
A variety of safety measures can be used to reduce the chance of a fire or help in the event of a fire.
Sprinkler systems
Sprinkler systems are useful for preventing the spread of fire in tall buildings, but have only been required in new blocks of flats built (or converted to residential use) over 11 metres in England since 26 November 2020.
Whether sprinklers are required in existing residential buildings will depend on fire safety risk assessments or other fire safety reports.
Smoke detectors
You may be responsible for fitting and maintaining any smoke detectors inside your flat. Check your lease if you are unsure: some leases state that leaseholders must have a properly maintained smoke detector in their flat.
It’s recommended to have a smoke detector in every room where a fire could start. There are extra legal requirements that you must follow if you rent your flat out.
Fire alarms
If a building is 18 metres or higher, or 7 storeys or more, fire alarm systems should be regularly checked tested and maintained by the person responsible for fire safety in the building.
Signage
Wayfinding signage to assist building evacuation and rescue services must be installed if a building is 18 metres or higher, or 7 storeys or more. Signage must be visible in low lighting levels or smoky conditions.
Fire safety instructions
Fire safety instructions must be on display somewhere they’re easily seen in the building. Residents should also be given the instructions every 12 months, and new residents given the instructions when they move into the building.
Waking watch
A waking watch is sometimes used in buildings with unsafe cladding, while waiting for the cladding issues to be fixed.
Waking watch involves a fire marshal patrolling the building 24 hours a day for signs of fire, ensuring early detection and giving enough warning for people to evacuate if a fire starts.
Waking watch is usually expensive. The government encourages other measures where possible, to remove the need for waking watch.
Disruption and allowing access to your flat
You will need to allow access to carry out repairs or installation of new fire safety equipment, as long as the landlord, freeholder or agent have given you written notice.
However, if you believe installation or repair work has made it difficult to live in your property, then you should contact the landlord or agent.
There are steps you can follow to resolve issues with your landlord (freeholder) to enforce the rights granted to you in your lease.
- Last updated:
- 7 April 2026
- Next review:
- 2 April 2028