Residential fires pose a serious threat to households across the United States, and renters in multi-unit buildings can face added challenges. In apartment complexes or duplexes, a fire that starts in one unit may spread quickly to neighboring areas, putting tenants at higher collective risk.

According to a recent survey, only about 41% carry renters insurance, whereas 95% of homeowners have homeowners insurance.¹

Many renters also believe their hands are tied when it comes to home safety. After all, you might be restricted by lease agreements that prevent major alterations to your living space. But with some renter-friendly strategies, you can still significantly reduce your risk of a fire and protect your belongings.

Maintain Proper Smoke Alarm Vigilance

Smoke alarms are one of the most effective early-warning tools in your fire-prevention arsenal. They can buy you precious time to address small flames or evacuate if a fire breaks out. Although your landlord is typically responsible for installing smoke alarms, there are still steps you can take to ensure they’re working optimally.

1. Test Monthly: Press the test button on each alarm at least once a month. If you hear a persistent chirping sound, it’s usually an indication that the battery needs replacing.

2. Check Placement: Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home.² If alarms are missing or outdated, ask your landlord to remedy the situation.

3. Supplement if Allowed: If your lease permits it, consider adding photoelectric or dual-sensor alarms for improved detection of both smoldering and flaming fires.

Regular testing and proper installation of smoke alarms can be the difference between containing a small fire and facing widespread damage.

Invest in Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers give you the chance to tackle minor blazes before they become unmanageable. While you may not be able to install them in hallways without landlord permission, you can keep one in your unit for your own safety.

1. Select the Right Rating: Look for a 2-A:10-B:C rated extinguisher, which is versatile enough for common household fires (wood, paper, grease, and electrical).

2. Practice PASS: Learn the “Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep” technique so you’re prepared before an actual fire occurs.

3. Check Pressure Gauges: Over time, extinguishers lose pressure. Ensure the indicator stays in the green zone and replace or service the extinguisher if needed.

Use Extension Cords Safely

Extension cords are fixtures in many rentals due to limited electrical outlets. However, misusing them can lead to overheating, short circuits, and even electrical fires. By handling extension cords responsibly, you greatly reduce these risks.

1. Buy Quality Products: Look for cords bearing the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark, indicating they meet safety standards.

2. Avoid Overloading: Plugging too many high-wattage devices into a single cord can cause overheating. Disperse your electronics across different outlets.

3. Steer Clear of Rugs: Running cords under rugs or carpets can wear down the insulation, hiding any fraying and trapping heat.

4. Use Surge Protectors: When possible, opt for power strips equipped with surge protection to manage sudden voltage spikes.

Practice Kitchen Safety

Cooking equipment is a leading cause of residential fires, and the U.S. Fire Administration continues to highlight a rising frequency of kitchen-related incidents. A 2022 NFPA analysis reinforces this, showing that cooking remains the top driver of home fires.³ By following a few smart kitchen habits, you can significantly lower your fire risk.

1. Stay in the Kitchen: Unattended cooking is the single biggest reason cooking fires start, so monitor your food or set timers if you need to step away.

2. Remove Flammable Items: Keep dish towels, paper towels, and curtains a safe distance from heat sources.

3. Clean Grease Buildup: Grease accumulation on stovetops, range hoods, and in ovens can ignite. Wipe surfaces down regularly.

4. Put a Lid on It: For small grease fires, carefully place a lid on the pan to smother flames. Never use water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread.

Create an Escape Plan

Even the best-laid safety measures can’t avert every emergency. Developing a clear evacuation plan ensures you and your household can exit quickly and safely if a fire does break out.

1. Identify All Exits: Note every door, window, fire escape, and stairwell. If you live in a high-rise, learn the building’s evacuation procedures thoroughly.

2. Practice Your Route: Conduct a walkthrough with your household members—children, pets, and any roommates—to identify the fastest, safest exits.

3. Keep Hallways Clear: Ensure hallways and common areas remain free of clutter. Obstacles can slow down an evacuation or impede first responders.

Address Landlord and Renter Responsibilities

Fire safety is a collective effort, yet the responsibilities of landlords and tenants differ. Landlords typically maintain the building’s structure, wiring, and mandatory smoke alarms, while renters must keep their space in good condition and promptly report issues.

• Landlord Duties: Landlords are responsible for addressing structural hazards like exposed wiring, ensuring smoke alarms are installed, and fixing any landlord-owned appliances.

• Renter Duties: Replacing batteries (as required by local regulations), practicing everyday fire safety, and notifying landlords of problems.

Know How Renters Insurance Protects You

Having a strong fire-prevention plan is vital, but accidents still happen. This is why renters insurance provides a crucial layer of protection. Shockingly, more than half of renters remain uninsured, leaving themselves financially vulnerable if a disaster occurs.¹

Personal Property Coverage

If a blaze damages or destroys your items—like clothing, furniture, and electronics—renters insurance can help cover the cost to repair or replace them (up to your policy limits). This protection often applies even if the fire starts in another unit but spreads to yours.

Liability Coverage

If a kitchen mishap or another incident causes a fire that results in damage to the building or other units, you could be held responsible. Renters insurance typically includes liability coverage to help with legal fees and damages, subject to your policy limits.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If your rental becomes uninhabitable after a fire, ALE coverage can reimburse you for hotel bills and other costs while your apartment is repaired, or you search for a new home.

If you spot faulty wiring or a missing smoke alarm, document the hazard (with photos if possible) and alert your landlord right away. If you don’t see timely action, consult local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups to understand your rights and next steps.

Stay Prepared with Actionable Steps and Adequate Coverage

Even though you’re limited by certain lease restrictions, adopting the right preventative measures can dramatically reduce your fire risk. Careful cooking, proper use of extension cords, regular smoke alarm checks, portable fire extinguishers, and a practiced evacuation plan all strengthen your defenses against a blaze.

Still, accidents can happen, so renters insurance remains an invaluable backstop if the unexpected occurs. At Answer Financial, we’ll help you explore and customize coverage options so you can rest assured that both you and your belongings are protected when you need it most.

Who is Answer Financial?

As one of the nation’s largest and most reputable auto & home insurance agencies, Answer Financial has insured nearly 5 million homes and vehicles. We work with 40+ top-rated carriers to save our customers an average of $615 a year on insurance.^* 

On our mobile-friendly website, shoppers can quickly compare rates and customize coverages from multiple home insurers. By simply entering your zip code and home address, Answer Financial can search publicly available records like square footage and year built to deliver side-by-side comparison quotes from reputable insurance companies.

Answer Financial can help you compare, buy and often save the smart way on insurance. So before you shop, remember to rely on your insurance experts to find you the right home insurance plan for your needs and budget. 

*Results of a national survey of new Answer Financial customers reporting insurance savings in 2024.

Sources:

1. Baseland, “What is Renter’s Insurance and Why Do You Need It?” https://www.baselane.com/resources/what-is-renters-insurance-and-why-do-you-need-it
2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires,” https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/smoke-alarms-in-us-home-fires
3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “Home Cooking Fires,” https://www.nfpa.org/esducation-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/home-cooking-fires