Bonfire Night: Safety Checks Landlords Must Not Skip

Sean McMahon
Nov 3
3 min read

As fireworks light up the Edinburgh skyline and Bonfire Night celebrations return, landlords should use the occasion as a timely reminder: safety checks aren’t just box-ticking — they’re essential responsibilities. 🔥

Even though your tenants might be the ones enjoying the sparklers, you have a legal duty to make sure your property remains a safe place to call home.

1️⃣ Fire Alarms and Smoke Detection

Under the Tolerable Standard for Rented Homes (Scotland), all rental properties must have:

Interlinked smoke alarms in the living room and circulation spaces (e.g., hallways)
A heat alarm in the kitchen
All alarms must be mains powered or tamper-proof long-life battery units

🔍 Quick Check: Test all alarms monthly and keep written proof. If your property was fitted before February 2022, make sure your system meets the newer interlinked standard.

2️⃣ Electrical Safety

Bonfire Night is the perfect time to double-check your EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) and PAT testing records.

EICR: Must be renewed every five years (or sooner if recommended).
PAT: Required for any portable appliance supplied with the tenancy (e.g., kettles, toasters, lamps).

💡 Tip: Schedule these checks well before winter — electricians book up fast when heating and lighting demand rises.

3️⃣ Gas Safety

If your property has a gas boiler, fire, or hob, you must hold a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), renewed annually.

Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can complete the check.

🔥 Remember: If you’ve recently capped off a gas fire (common in older tenements), ensure this is documented and certified as safe.

4️⃣ Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every room with a fuel-burning appliance must have a working carbon monoxide detector — ideally interlinked with your alarm system.

With tenants spending more time indoors during winter, this small device can be life-saving.

5️⃣ Legionella Risk Assessment

It’s easy to overlook, but landlords must carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment — checking water temperature, tanks, and pipework for potential bacterial growth.

If your property has been empty for a while, flushing out the system before new tenants move in is vital.

6️⃣ Damp and Ventilation

Cold weather and condensation often spark tenant complaints.

Now’s the time to check:

Extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens are working
Windows can open properly
Tumble dryers are vented outdoors (a major cause of condensation!)

💬 Pro Tip: Send tenants your “Condensation Prevention Guide” (ask me for the printable version if you’d like to offer it to your landlords).

7️⃣ Outdoor and Garden Safety

If your property has outdoor space:

Ensure pathways and steps are well-lit and not slippery
Trim back hedges to avoid fire risks
Check that any external lights are functional before the dark nights draw in

8️⃣ Document Everything

Keeping clear, dated records of every inspection, repair, and compliance check isn’t just good practice — it’s protection.

Should a dispute arise, detailed logs are your best defence under the Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006).

🧯 Final Word

Just as Bonfire Night reminds us about the dangers of fire, it’s a chance to reflect on safety, responsibility, and trust.

At The Letting Experts Edinburgh, we conduct a full compliance audit for every landlord we represent — ensuring you meet all current legal obligations while keeping tenants safe and properties protected.

🎇 Stay safe, stay compliant, and let your property management shine brighter than the fireworks this Bonfire Night.