More than 1,200 fires occurred in purpose-built flats without smoke alarms over the past year, with London experiencing the highest number, according to recent data from Drax Technology. This highlights a significant safety concern for landlords and property managers, emphasising the critical importance of installing and maintaining fire alarm systems in residential buildings.

Overview of Fire Incidents in Purpose-Built Flats

Drax Technology analysed fire incident data reported by Fire and Rescue Services across England, covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The data focused on purpose-built flats, which may include build-to-rent developments, housing association properties, or privately owned flats. The findings revealed that over 1,200 fires broke out in flats where no smoke alarms were installed, with London recording 651 of these incidents, including 78 fires in high-rise buildings.

In addition, nine flats affected by fires were located in buildings with cladding, spread across Avon, Essex, Greater London, and Hampshire. Across all property types in England, a total of 5,581 fires were recorded where no alarm was present.

Causes and Classification of Fires

The majority of these fires were classified as accidental, primarily caused by the misuse of equipment or appliances such as cookers, fridges, and toasters. The data differentiates fires based on the presence and functionality of smoke alarms, with the “Alarm Absent” category representing the most concerning scenario where no smoke alarms were installed at all.

Implications for Landlords and Property Managers

David Simpson, group product director at Drax Technology, emphasises the urgent need for landlords and property managers to ensure fire alarms are installed and maintained in purpose-built flats. He states: “These findings should prompt immediate action from anyone responsible for residents’ safety, whether in Build to Rent schemes, social housing, or private developments.”

Simpson highlights that operating without smoke alarms is “incredibly dangerous” and that all recorded fires occurred in occupied homes, putting vulnerable residents such as families and pensioners at risk. This underlines the landlord’s duty of care to provide safe living environments and comply with fire safety regulations.

Fire Safety Management and Compliance

Maintaining an up-to-date digital record of a building’s fire safety systems is critical to managing risks effectively. Simpson notes that relying on outdated tools or unclear responsibilities can weaken system resilience and endanger lives. He advocates for modern monitoring solutions that provide real-time visibility of alarm performance across multiple buildings.

With live alerts and resilient systems, building managers can quickly identify and resolve issues, reduce false alarms, and maintain compliance more efficiently. This approach not only enhances safety but also reassures residents that their alarms will function correctly when needed.

Conclusion and Next Steps for Landlords

For UK landlords and agents, these findings serve as a reminder of the vital role that fire alarms play in protecting residents and meeting legal obligations. Ensuring that purpose-built flats have properly installed and maintained smoke alarms should be a priority to reduce fire risks and enhance tenant safety.

Additionally, the Tenant Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026. This platform will feature verified and approved service providers to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers interested in joining can register their interest here: landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/.