Do I Need Crib 5 Furniture for My Buy-to-Let? A Landlord’s Guide to Fire Safety in the UK

Jun 23, 2025Jacob Y

If you’re a landlord furnishing a buy-to-let property in the UK, fire safety should be near the top of your list. You may have come across the term “Crib 5 furniture” while browsing commercial suppliers. But do you really need it for your rental home?

Let’s break it down—clearly, simply, and without the jargon.

🔥 What Is Crib 5 Furniture, Anyway?

Crib 5 is a fire safety standard used primarily for contract furniture—typically found in hotels, offices, restaurants, and care homes. It’s based on the BS 5852 Source 5 test, which assesses whether upholstered furniture can resist a more intense ignition source (specifically, a flaming wooden crib).

This level of protection is excellent for public spaces, but not something every landlord needs to invest in.

🏡 For Buy-to-Let Properties, Here’s the Deal:

If you're renting out a standard residential property—whether it’s a flat in Birmingham or a terraced house in Leeds—you do not need Crib 5-rated furniture.

Instead, the legal requirement is to comply with the:

✅ Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988

That means all upholstered items must:

Be fire-resistant to domestic standards
Pass both the cigarette and match flame tests (Source 0 and Source 1)
Include a permanent label confirming compliance with the regulations

So, provided your sofas, beds, and cushions meet those requirements, you're fully covered as a landlord.

📍 When Crib 5 Might Be Needed

While Crib 5 isn’t required for most standard residential rentals, there are a few situations where it may be necessary:

You’re letting out a serviced apartment or holiday accommodation (e.g. Airbnb-style lets)
The property is classed as commercial or used for short-term stays
You’re supplying furniture for a local authority, care provider, or housing association
Your insurer specifically requires Crib 5-certified furniture

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your local council or managing agent. It’s a small step that could help you avoid big issues later.

📋 Quick Comparison Table

Type of Property	Crib 5 Needed?	What You Do Need
Standard buy-to-let	❌ No	Fire-safe furniture with labels
HMO	❌ Not usually	Same as above
Airbnb or holiday let	🔶 Maybe	Check with council/insurer
Hotel/B&B/care home	✅ Yes	Crib 5 contract-grade only

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

Let’s not sugar-coat it—ignoring fire safety regulations as a landlord isn’t just risky, it can have serious consequences.

🔥 1. Prosecution and Fines

You could face:

Hefty fines (often £5,000 per item that breaches fire safety law)
In severe cases, criminal charges and even imprisonment under consumer protection or housing legislation

🏚️ 2. Eviction or Rent Repayment Orders

If tenants are living in a property that’s not legally compliant, they may be entitled to:

Claim back rent through a tribunal
Seek compensation for unsafe living conditions
Trigger enforcement action from the local council, such as improvement notices

🔥 3. Invalid Insurance

Most landlord insurance policies require that you meet fire safety regulations. If a fire occurs and your furniture is found to be non-compliant, your insurer could refuse to pay out—leaving you personally responsible for the loss.

💔 4. Risk to Life and Property

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about penalties. Non-compliant furniture can pose a real danger. A flammable sofa could turn a small incident into a life-threatening fire in seconds. No property is worth that risk.

🔍 SEO Tip: What Landlords Are Searching For

Here are some real-world search phrases built into this post (naturally, not stuffed):

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🛍️ Tips for Buying Fire-Safe Furniture for Your Let

Whether you're furnishing a studio flat or a larger rental property, here are some simple ways to stay compliant and safe:

🏷️ Always look for the fire safety label (usually sewn under cushions or on the frame)
🚫 Avoid second-hand sofas unless they’ve still got clear labels
🛒 Buy from trusted UK suppliers who state compliance with 1988 Fire Regs
🔐 Optional: Go for Crib 5 for Extra Assurance

If you do want the extra peace of mind, there’s nothing wrong with buying Crib 5 furniture for a rental—it’s just not required by law in most residential cases.

🧯 Final Word

As a UK landlord, you don’t need to go overboard with commercial-grade furniture—but you do have legal obligations when letting a furnished property.

Crib 5? Not unless you're providing short-term accommodation or running a hospitality business.
Fire labels and domestic safety compliance? Absolutely essential.

💡 And remember: cutting corners on fire safety can cost far more than money. The risks include fines, loss of insurance cover, and—most importantly—threats to life.

🔍 FAQs: Fire Safety and Furnished Rentals

✅ Do landlords in the UK need to provide fire-resistant furniture?

Yes. If you're letting a furnished property, any upholstered items—such as sofas, armchairs, and mattresses—must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Look for permanent fire safety labels to ensure compliance.

🔥 What is Crib 5 furniture, and is it required for buy-to-lets?

Crib 5 refers to a higher fire safety standard used mainly for commercial and hospitality settings. Most standard residential lets in the UK do not require Crib 5 furniture—only domestic fire safety standards apply.

🪑 Can I use second-hand furniture in a rental?

Only if it still has a clear fire safety label. Without it, you cannot prove compliance, and using it could put you at legal and financial risk.

🏠 Does fire-safe furniture affect landlord insurance?

Yes. Many landlord insurance policies require that your furnishings meet fire regulations. Non-compliance could void your cover, especially in the event of a claim following a fire.

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