Landlords are being warned of potential risks to their properties caused by the misuse of air fryers.
Recent data from the Home Office reveals a 57 per cent increase in air fryer-related house fires in England. And with over half (58 per cent) of British households owning an air fryer, it’s likely your tenants have one too.
According to Landlord Today, in one instance an air fryer caused £80,000 worth of damage to a kitchen. Their data also revealed that the average claim for air-fryer related damage in 2024 was £29,555.
But before you rush to make any changes to your tenancy agreement – know that the majority of these fires are caused by misuse. Making sure your tenant is aware of what safety precautions to take could help protect you both.
6 air fryer safety tips for tenants and landlords
So, are air fryers safe? If you’re concerned about any air fryer risks, you can share these helpful air fryer safety tips with your tenant.
- Always unplug when not in use: Always unplug an air fryer from the wall socket when it’s not in use as this prevents accidentally activating the air fryer, reducing the risk of electrical faults.
- Don’t crowd the unit: Always make sure that an air fryer has plenty of clear space around it on all sides, especially from walls and cabinets, as air fryers need good airflow to prevent overheating.
- Always use on a stable surface: Make sure that the air fryer is placed on a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface. This can prevent it from tipping over and that any heat it generates doesn’t damage countertops.
- Don’t overfill an air fryer: Avoid overfilling the basket as this can block airflow and increase the risk of overheating or catching fire – as well causing uneven cooking.
- Clean the air fryer regularly: Grease and food debris can build up inside an air fryer and become a fire hazard. Encourage regular cleaning of the basket, tray, and heating element after each use.
Potential fire-starter – ‘landlords have a legal duty’
“Air fryers are potential fire-starters if not handled with care. They exhaust a lot of heat, often from behind, which can catch anything inflammable nearby on fire,” says Phil Turtle of Landlord Licensing & Defence.
“Not considering basic safety measures – like checking if the surroundings are getting hot, or checking that oil is not dripping into the mechanism, is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.
“Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are safe, and to educate their tenants as to the risk. Tenants must then take responsibility for using appliances correctly.
“Don’t let convenience turn into catastrophe – take these warnings seriously, or you could lose everything.”
More safety guides for landlords
- Renters’ Rights Bill – what do landlords need to know?
- Renting out your property: rules for landlords in 2025
- How to install a home security system in a rental property
- Landlord responsibilities – a guide to property maintenance and repair
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