Serviced apartments and aparthotels are becoming an increasingly prominent feature of the UK’s accommodation landscape, particularly within city centres and mixed-use developments. While they often resemble conventional residential flats in design and layout, their varied patterns of use present a growing and often underestimated fire safety challenge.

This thought leadership article, jointly developed by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA), examines how serviced apartments can fall into a regulatory grey area. It explores the implications this has for building design, fire risk assessment, management responsibilities and regulatory enforcement, highlighting why these premises require careful and informed consideration from fire safety professionals.

The article provides valuable insight for those involved in the design, construction, management and regulation of serviced apartments, as well as fire risk assessors and enforcing authorities, helping them to better understand and mitigate the evolving risks associated with this growing sector.

Click the link to explore the full document surrounding this emerging fire safety issue.