Landlords and property managers are often unsure whether first aid is a legal requirement in rental properties. Confusion usually arises from mixing general health and safety duties with workplace first aid law.
This guide explains when first aid responsibilities apply to landlords and property managers in the UK, what is expected in different property types, and how first aid fits within wider safety obligations.
The guidance is written as a reference for private landlords, managing agents, housing providers and those responsible for shared or managed properties.
There is no general legal requirement for private landlords to provide a first aid kit in every rental property.
UK first aid law is primarily aimed at workplaces. However, landlords and property managers still have duties under broader health and safety legislation to take reasonable steps to protect people who may be affected by their premises.
Whether first aid provision is appropriate depends on how the property is used and who is responsible for managing it.
In standard private residential lets, tenants are responsible for their own day-to-day first aid needs.
Landlords are generally not expected to provide:
Instead, landlord responsibilities focus on maintaining the safety of the property itself, such as gas safety, electrical safety and fire precautions.
HMOs often involve shared spaces and a higher level of management responsibility.
While first aid kits are not automatically required, property managers should consider:
Where staff are employed to manage or maintain the property, workplace first aid duties may apply.
Short-term accommodation sits in a different position from long-term private rentals.
Where properties are actively managed, cleaned or serviced between guests, first aid considerations may extend beyond tenants.
This may include:
Practical guidance for this scenario is covered in UK First Aid Kit Checklist for Airbnb Hosts.
Property managers responsible for communal areas have a higher duty of care.
This includes locations such as:
If staff are employed on site, first aid provision should be considered as part of workplace arrangements.
| Property type | Is first aid legally required? | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Private residential let | No | Tenants manage their own first aid |
| HMO | Risk-based | Shared areas, contractors, higher occupancy |
| Holiday let / Airbnb | Best practice | Guest safety, staff and turnover |
| Managed building | Often yes | Staff presence and communal areas |
Where landlords or property managers employ cleaners, caretakers or maintenance staff, workplace first aid duties may apply.
In these cases, employers should:
This aligns with general workplace requirements explained in First Aid Requirements for Small Business (UK).
Where members of the public may enter communal areas, they should be considered as part of safety planning.
This does not usually mean providing separate kits for visitors, but it may influence:
Related guidance is covered in First Aid Provision for Visitors & the Public (UK).
Where incidents occur in communal or managed areas, it is good practice to keep basic records.
Records can help:
For more detail, see Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK).
Understanding when first aid applies helps landlords and managers meet their obligations without unnecessary measures.
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