Who’s Responsible for Health & Safety Signs — Landlord or Tenant?

If you're leasing a commercial property — whether it's an office, retail space, warehouse or shared building — you might be wondering who’s legally responsible for displaying health and safety signs. Is it the landlord’s duty, or does it fall to the tenant?

In this post, we’ll break down the responsibilities, outline what the law says, and help both landlords and tenants avoid confusion — or costly compliance mistakes.

What the Law Says (UK)

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the responsibility to ensure a safe working environment lies primarily with the employer or person in control of the premises. This typically means the tenant.

However, landlords may still have legal obligations, especially in shared or multi-occupancy buildings.

Responsibilities Usually Held by the Tenant:

• ✅ Providing and maintaining health & safety signage inside their unit
• ✅ Displaying fire exit signs and warning signs where risks exist in their workspace
• ✅ Supplying first aid signs, PPE reminders, and safe condition signs as needed

Responsibilities That May Fall to the Landlord:

• ✅ Fire exit signage in shared corridors or communal stairwells
• ✅ No smoking and hazard signs in common areas
• ✅ Directional signage in multi-tenant buildings (e.g. “Reception”, “Assembly Point”)

Always check the lease agreement for clarity on shared responsibilities and common area management.

What Types of Signs Are Typically Required?

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, you’ll likely need:

• Fire Exit Signs – for all emergency escape routes
• First Aid Signs – to mark kit locations or trained responders
• Prohibition Signs – such as “No Smoking”
• Hazard Signs – like “Mind the Step” or “High Voltage”
• Access Control Signs – to restrict unauthorised entry