Fire safety for tenants in Cheltenham

Fire safety for tenants in Cheltenham

Fire safety matters in every home. If you live in a rented house in Cheltenham, understanding how to stay safe and what to do if something does not feel right can make a real difference.

This guide explains what fire safety entails for tenants, what you can expect from your letting agent, and how to report concerns promptly and effectively.

What fire safety measures should already be in place

Before you move into a rented house, certain fire safety measures should already be set up.

In most rented houses, this includes:

• Working smoke alarms on every floor of the property
• Carbon monoxide alarms where there are gas or solid fuel appliances
• Safe gas and electrical installations
• Furniture that meets UK fire safety standards, if the property is furnished

These checks are handled before the tenancy starts, so you can move in knowing the basics are covered.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are there to protect you. They give early warning, which is vital in a fire or gas related incident.

You should:

• Test alarms regularly using the test button
• Never remove batteries or disable alarms
• Report any faults straight away

If an alarm is not working when you move in, or stops working during your tenancy, report it immediately. Do not wait or attempt to fix it yourself.

Fire safety advice for tenants

Most house fires start from everyday activities. A few simple habits help reduce risk.

• Take care when cooking and never leave pans unattended
• Avoid overloading plug sockets
• Keep candles away from curtains and soft furnishings
• Do not block heaters or vents

These small actions help keep you, your home and your neighbours safe.

Keeping escape routes clear

In the event of a fire, you need to be able to leave the property quickly.

Make sure:

• Hallways and staircases are kept clear
• Doors and windows open easily
• You know your quickest way out of the property

It is worth taking a moment to think about how you would exit the house if a fire started at night.

Accessibility and fire safety

Fire safety should work for everyone. If you or someone in your household has reduced mobility, hearing loss or another condition that could affect evacuation, support may be needed.

Let your letting agent know if you have concerns so reasonable adjustments can be considered. Clear communication helps keep everyone safe.

What to do if you spot a fire safety issue

If you notice a fire safety problem, such as a faulty alarm, damaged socket or unsafe appliance, report it straight away.

Tenants managed by RA Flatt can report issues quickly through the property maintenance system. Urgent issues are treated as a priority.

Do not ignore problems or attempt repairs yourself. Reporting early helps prevent bigger risks.

How RA Flatt helps keep tenants safe

Fire safety for tenants in Cheltenham is part of responsible property management.

RA Flatt Residential Lettings supports tenant safety by:

• Ensuring fire safety measures are in place before tenancies begin
• Responding promptly to reported maintenance issues
• Managing inspections and compliance checks with landlords
• Providing clear guidance on how to report concerns

If something does not feel safe, you are encouraged to speak up.

If there is a fire

If a fire breaks out:

• Get out as quickly as possible
• Do not try to tackle the fire yourself
• Call 999 once you are safe

Your safety always comes first.

Need advice or support?

If you have questions about fire safety in your rented house or need to report an issue, help is available.

You can contact the RA Flatt team directly via the contact page or report maintenance issues online for a quick response.