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Legal requirement

Fire-safe furniture

Sofas, mattresses, headboards and cushions must meet the furniture fire safety rules.

Applies to: Every holiday let with upholstered furniture.

How oftenCheck whenever you buy or replace furniture
Who can do itYou
Typical costReplacement cost of any non-compliant items
If it's missedCriminal offence enforced by Trading Standards

What the rules say

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 specifically cover furniture in holiday homes let as a business, whether new or second-hand. Items must pass the ignition tests and carry the permanent label.

What to do

  1. Check each sofa, armchair, mattress, headboard and cushion for the permanent label.
  2. Replace anything without a label.
  3. Keep receipts for new furniture.

Tips from the field

  • Be careful with antique or second-hand upholstered pieces. Most won't comply.

Official sources

Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.

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