Guide — Flats & Apartments
Fire Safety for Flats
Living in a flat means sharing escape routes and fire protection systems with your neighbours. Understanding your building's evacuation strategy, what your landlord must provide, and how to escape safely could save your life.
Most important rule
Know your building's evacuation strategy before a fire happens. It will either be "stay put" (remain in your flat unless fire is directly threatening) or "simultaneous evacuation" (everyone leaves at once). The notice is in your communal hallway. If you cannot find it, ask your landlord or managing agent now.
What your landlord or responsible person must provide
Legal requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
| Requirement | Standard / frequency | Responsible party |
|---|---|---|
| Fire risk assessment of common areas | Required by law (RRO 2005 / Building Safety Act 2022) | Responsible person / landlord |
| Smoke alarms on each storey | Fitted before each tenancy (Smoke & CO Alarm Regs 2022) | Landlord |
| Carbon monoxide alarm near combustion appliances | Required in rented properties | Landlord |
| Fire doors to flat entrance and communal routes | Maintained and self-closing | Responsible person |
| Emergency lighting on escape routes | Inspected and tested regularly | Responsible person |
| Fire evacuation strategy (stay put or simultaneous) | Posted in communal areas | Responsible person |
How to escape from a flat fire
Follow these steps in order. Do not improvise an escape through windows above ground level.
Compartmentation: how your flat protects you
Purpose-built flats are designed using fire compartmentation — the principle of dividing a building into cells that contain fire and smoke for a defined period. The walls, floor, ceiling, and front door of your flat form a fire-resistant compartment. If a fire starts next door, you typically have at least 60 minutes of protection — provided every element of that compartment is intact.
The most common failure point is the flat entrance door. A door held open by a wedge, damaged, or with visible gaps around the frame can reduce that 60 minutes to minutes. Check your door is self-closing and closes fully against the frame. If it does not, tell your landlord immediately — see our fire door safety guide.
Common fire risks in flats
- Kitchen: Unattended cooking — the leading cause of flat fires. Never leave the hob unattended.
- Electrical: Overloaded sockets, damaged cables, and unattended appliances charging overnight.
- Smoking: Cigarettes discarded carelessly — use a proper ashtray with a lid.
- Candles: Left unattended or near curtains and soft furnishings — see our candle safety guide.
- Communal areas: Storing items in corridors or stairwells blocks escape routes and can start fires. This is illegal.
- E-bikes and e-scooters: Charging lithium batteries overnight — keep in the hallway if possible, never charge while sleeping.
If you cannot escape: the waiting procedure
If smoke blocks your escape route, do not attempt to run through it. Return to your flat, close all doors between you and the fire, and call 999 to give your exact flat number and floor. Seal door gaps with towels or clothing. Open a window slightly to signal to firefighters. Moving to a room facing the street gives you the best chance of being seen.
For the general principle of staying put when escape is unsafe, see our get out, stay out guide — which also explains when you should leave regardless of the strategy.
Vulnerable residents
If you have reduced mobility or a sensory impairment, you should have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) — a documented plan agreed with the building manager for how you will be evacuated. See our dedicated guide on fire safety for disabled persons.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ