Rent your home? Think before lighting up this bonfire night

If you rent your home and are thinking of celebrating Bonfire Night with friends and fireworks, think again. You could make yourself very unpopular with your neighbours and ultimately your landlord if you get it wrong, so here are a few handy tips passed on in the property press.

Before lighting that blue touch paper, check your tenancy agreement. Some contracts state clearly that bonfires and/or fireworks are not allowed at the property. And even if your contract makes no reference to pyrotechnics, it’s worth a call to your letting agent or the landlord to double check. Different local authorities also have their own regulations about fireworks but, as a rule, fireworks can only be set off between 7pm and midnight. Later than that and you are breaking the law. You are also likely to fall foul of your landlord if you cause a disturbance, upset or frighten your neighbours. Fireworks can be terrifying for vulnerable people and animals so be considerate and ask around to find out whether or not people in the vicinity are comfortable with fireworks going off before your celebrations begin.

Common sense also needs to come into play here. If you live in a house with a small garden or a flat with shared outside space don’t even think about lighting a bonfire or letting off fireworks in a confined space. It’s all too easy for fires to get out of hand and catch light to fences, sheds or bike stores. And never forget that fireworks are dangerous - they are responsible for more than 500 accidents each year. For this reason, it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. So don’t be tempted to spill out onto the street if you don’t have a garden of your own. Play it safe this Bonfire Night and find a public display instead. They are safer, less expensive and more spectacular – and won’t get you into trouble with your landlord!