Ashley Ward here, Director of Swaye Group in Devon.
We've been helping local landlords and holiday let owners keep their properties safe for years. Think of me as your helpful uncle who gives straightforward, honest advice – no hard sell, just what’s best for you and your guests.
Devon’s holiday rental scene boasts beautiful coastal cottages, rural retreats, and city lets. But recent fire safety updates mean many owners need to check their systems. Here’s a clear, simple guide to the latest rules.
Key Fire Alarm Rules for Holiday Lets
The core rules come from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Safety Act 2022.
Rules and platform requirements change, so check the latest government guidance and your booking platform’s requirements, or ask us to review your property.
Main requirements for holiday lets:
- Written Fire Risk Assessment (mandatory)
- Interlinked smoke alarms on every floor (mains-powered with battery backup preferred)
- Smoke alarms in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and landings
- Heat alarms in kitchens
- Carbon monoxide detectors where needed
- Systems following BS 5839-6 standards
For long-term rentals, landlords must still provide working smoke & CO alarms, tested at the start of each new tenancy.
How This Affects Devon Holiday Lets
Many of our lovely local cottages have older battery-only alarms or missing paperwork. Getting this right protects your guests, your insurance, and your bookings.
Common Issues & Easy Fixes
We regularly see:
- Outdated or non-interlinked alarms
- Missing or old Fire Risk Assessments
- Properties changed by extensions without safety reviews
Simple steps to get sorted:
- Book a professional Fire Risk Assessment.
- Upgrade to modern interlinked mains fire alarms.
- Add CO detectors and check escape routes.
- Combine with a full EICR electrical check.
- Arrange yearly servicing for peace of mind.
We specialise in clean, professional installations that blend perfectly into traditional Devon homes without spoiling the character.
At Swaye, we’re local Devon engineers who genuinely want to help you protect your guests and your investment. Many owners we’ve helped say their properties feel safer and attract more bookings once fully compliant.
If you’ve got a holiday let anywhere across Devon – from Salcombe to Exmoor – drop us a line for friendly, no-obligation advice. We’ll visit your property, give honest recommendations, and help you sort what you need.
Stay safe, Ashley Ward & The Swaye Team - Swaye Group
Where There's A Will, There's A Swaye!