Home safety & security basics

Basic safety expectations for hosting and simple steps to help guests feel safe.

This guidance is written for hosts and households. It explains the basic safety expectations for hosting, and simple steps that help guests feel safe and settled. It is not a technical inspection guide.

Minimum safety checklist (self-check)

Before you host, please check you can answer “yes” to the following:

Smoke alarms are fitted and working (test at least monthly and before each new guest arrives).
If you have gas appliances, you have a current Gas Safe certificate and any issues are addressed promptly.
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are fitted and working if you have gas appliances, open fires or solid fuel. We strongly recommend CO alarms wherever there is any potential risk, even where not legally required.
Electrical wiring, sockets, and appliances are in good working order (no exposed wiring, overheating sockets, or damaged plugs/leads).
The guest can use the home safely: clear walkways, safe stairs/handrails, and no obvious trip hazards.
You can show the guest the fire escape route(s) and where to meet outside.
You know how to contact London Homestays if a safety concern arises.

Fire safety (plain English)

We recommend giving guests a short fire safety briefing at check‑in, including:

Where the exits are and the best route out from the guest room.
How to open any locks safely (and where keys are kept if needed).
Where the smoke alarm(s) are, and what to do if they sound.
A simple meeting point outside.
Leave belongings behind and get out quickly.
Close doors behind you if it is safe to do so (this can help slow the spread of fire).
Once outside, stay outside — do not go back in.

Keep escape routes clear (for example hallways and stairs) and avoid storing items that could block exits.

Gas safety (where gas appliances exist)

If your home has gas appliances (for example a boiler, gas hob or gas fire), they must be maintained safely. We may ask for evidence of a current Gas Safe certificate as part of host approval or renewal.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be harmful. CO alarms provide an important extra layer of protection. We strongly recommend fitting CO alarms where there is any risk (for example gas appliances, open fires or solid fuel).

Water safety (good practice between placements)

If a bathroom, shower or tap has not been used for a while between guests, it is sensible to run the water for a short period before the next arrival. This helps flush the system and supports good water hygiene, especially in rarely used bathrooms.

Before arrival (if the room/bathroom has been unused): run the taps and shower for a few minutes.
If you have any concerns about water temperature or your system, seek advice from a qualified plumber.

Electrical safety (general expectations)

You do not need to be an electrical expert. However, your home should be safe and well maintained. Please address issues such as:

Loose sockets, exposed wiring or flickering lights.
Overheating plugs/adapters or scorch marks.
Damaged extension leads or overloaded multi‑plugs.
Any appliance that trips the electrics or smells of burning.

If you are unsure, get advice from a qualified professional.

Home security (help guests stay safe)

Many guests will be new to London. A calm security briefing at check‑in helps prevent misunderstandings.

Show how to lock doors and windows properly (and remind guests to do this when leaving).
Explain any entry codes/alarm routines (if relevant).
Agree what to do if the guest loses their key.
If you have a safe place for bicycles/luggage, show them.

Emergency information for guests (at check‑in)

At check‑in, please make sure your guest knows:

How to call 999 or 112 in an emergency (police, fire or ambulance).
Your full address (we recommend writing it down or showing them where to find it on their phone).
For urgent medical advice that is not life‑threatening, NHS 111 can help.

Accidents, hazards and when to contact us

If there is a safety incident or a serious hazard (for example a flood, fire risk, gas smell, or a significant security issue), tell London Homestays as soon as possible. Where a guest is at immediate risk, follow emergency services guidance. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 and follow their safety advice.

Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (phone lines 11am–3pm).

Phone: 020 8395 0333

Email: info@londonhomestays.com

WhatsApp: 020 8395 0333 (message-only service, monitored during office hours). Please do not use WhatsApp for emergencies.

Out-of-hours emergency support is available for genuine emergencies relating to current placements only. Out-of-hours emergency phone numbers are provided at booking confirmation and via our office voicemail (we do not publish them on the website).

Related resources

In their words...

“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“LSC Stanton has been working with London Homestays since 2011 and we are very pleased with the quality of accommodation and service they give to us. We have a good relationship with the team and they are always on hand to deal with any last-minute requests.”
Nick Bray, Managing Director, London Study Centre.
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy