During a fire, occupants should follow the building's emergency arrangements and call 999. The landlord's later task is to coordinate safety, accommodation, investigation and reinstatement.
Immediately after the incident
- Establish what the emergency services permit and keep occupants away from restricted areas.
- Arrange safe temporary security without compromising escape or lawful access.
- Identify urgent accommodation and practical needs, keeping communications factual and sensitive.
Assess damage and responsibilities
- Notify the insurer promptly and preserve evidence without delaying essential safety work.
- Use competent professionals to assess structure, electrics, gas, contamination and other affected systems.
- Coordinate with a freeholder or managing agent where shared parts or other flats are affected.
Plan reinstatement and return
- Record the scope, permissions, inspections and completion evidence needed.
- Review alarms, doors and the fire risk assessment or strategy as appropriate.
- Agree return arrangements only when the relevant checks support safe occupation, and explain any remaining restrictions.
Example: only one room burned
A fictional kitchen fire leaves smoke throughout the flat and affects nearby wiring. The assessment should consider the whole affected home, not only replacement of the kitchen units. Appearance alone cannot establish that services are safe.
What to do
- Follow the fire service's restrictions and account for affected occupants through appropriate channels.
- Notify the insurer and responsible building parties.
- Obtain competent checks and agree a safe return or temporary arrangement.
Evidence to keep
- Incident reference, emergency restrictions and photographs taken safely.
- Professional assessments, insurer instructions and reinstatement records.
Sources and guidance
- Fire safety in shared or rented accommodationUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022UK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Approved Document B: fire safetyWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Repairing Standard: statutory guidanceScottish Government · checked 20 October 2026