If a defective household appliance caused a fire that injured you or a family member in the UK, you may be able to claim compensation from the manufacturer under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (strict liability — no need to prove negligence), from the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, or from your landlord if they provided the appliance. Preserving the fire scene and the appliance is critical to proving the cause. You normally have three years to bring a personal injury claim.
Electrical appliances are involved in thousands of domestic fires each year in the UK. When a washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, heater or charger develops a fault and catches fire, the results can be devastating: serious burns, smoke inhalation, loss of the home and possessions, and in the worst cases death. This guide explains how to claim compensation when a defective appliance causes a fire. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Product liability
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, the manufacturer of a defective product is strictly liable for personal injury it causes. “Strict liability” means you do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent — only that:
- The product was defective (it did not provide the level of safety that persons generally are entitled to expect).
- The defect existed at the time the product was supplied.
- The defect caused your injury.
The claim can be brought against the manufacturer, the own-brand label holder, or the importer who first brought the product into the UK. If none of these can be identified, the retailer may be liable as a “supplier” under the Act.
Commonly defective appliances
| Appliance | Common defect |
|---|---|
| Tumble dryers | Lint build-up igniting from heating element; several major recalls |
| Washing machines | Overheating door lock or control board |
| Dishwashers | Heating element failure; wiring faults |
| Electric heaters | Overheating, faulty thermostats, proximity to combustibles |
| Phone/laptop chargers | Counterfeit or non-certified chargers with inadequate insulation |
| E-cigarette chargers | Lithium-ion battery thermal runaway |
Fire investigation evidence
Evidence preservation is critical and time-sensitive:
- Do not throw away the appliance, even if it is badly damaged. It is the single most important piece of evidence.
- Fire and rescue service report. The fire service investigates the cause and produces a report, which can identify the appliance as the origin.
- Independent expert examination. An independent fire investigation expert and/or electrical engineer can examine the appliance to identify the specific defect.
- Photographs and video. Document the fire damage, the appliance location and any visible defects.
- Purchase records. Receipts, warranty documents and product registration records help identify the manufacturer and date of supply.
- Product recall notices. Check the gov.uk product recall database and the manufacturer's website.
Compensation
General damages for burn injuries and smoke inhalation are assessed under JCG 17th edition (2024), with scarring assessed under the relevant chapter. Special damages include lost possessions, alternative accommodation costs, lost earnings, medical treatment, psychological therapy and care needs. Fatal fire claims are brought under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. Property damage (beyond the first £275 threshold in the CPA) is also recoverable.
Time limits
Three years from the fire date for personal injury (Limitation Act 1980). A ten-year longstop under the CPA 1987 from the date of supply. For property damage only, six years.
Claims involving landlord-supplied appliances
If the defective appliance was provided by your landlord, additional legal routes are available:
- Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 — landlords must have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years. While this primarily covers fixed wiring, the duty extends to the overall electrical safety of the property.
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 — electrical equipment supplied with the tenancy must be safe.
- Defective Premises Act 1972, s.4 — the landlord has a duty of care in relation to defects in the property that they are responsible for maintaining.
- Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 — the landlord as occupier owes a duty to visitors.
Landlords who provide white goods (washing machines, cookers, fridges) with the tenancy have a responsibility to ensure they are safe and properly maintained. Providing an old appliance that has been subject to a product recall and not repaired is a clear breach of duty. Tenants should check the gov.uk product recall database for any appliances provided with their rental property.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. For a product liability solicitor, use the Law Society “Find a Solicitor” service. Most claims run on a no-win-no-fee basis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if a faulty appliance caused a fire?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, the manufacturer of a defective product is strictly liable for injuries it causes. You do not need to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused the injury. You may also have a claim against the retailer or, for rented properties, the landlord.
What appliances commonly cause fires?
Common culprits include tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, electric heaters, toasters, phone and laptop chargers, e-cigarette chargers, and faulty wiring in white goods. Product recall databases (gov.uk product recalls) list appliances with known fire risks.
What is strict liability?
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, the manufacturer is liable for damage caused by a defective product regardless of whether they were negligent. You must show the product was defective (it did not provide the level of safety persons are entitled to expect), the defect existed at the time of supply, and it caused your injury.
What evidence do I need?
Preserving the appliance and the fire scene is critical. The fire service investigation report, photographs, the appliance itself (even if damaged), purchase receipts, and any product recall notices are important. An independent fire investigation expert and an electrical engineer may need to examine the appliance.
Can I claim against the retailer?
You may have a claim against the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for breach of contract (the product was not of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose). The retailer strict contractual liability is separate from the manufacturer product liability.
What about a rented property?
If the defective appliance was provided by the landlord, you may claim against the landlord under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, and the Defective Premises Act 1972.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the fire for a personal injury claim. There is also a ten-year longstop under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 from the date the product was supplied. For property damage, the limitation period is six years.
What compensation could I receive?
Compensation covers burn injuries and smoke inhalation (general damages guided by JCG 17th edition, 2024), plus special damages for lost possessions, alternative accommodation, lost earnings, medical treatment and care. Where the fire caused death, claims are brought under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
- GOV.UK — courts, time limits and legal aid information
Related guides: defective product claims, scarring and burns claims, electric shock injury claims, fatal accident claims, how compensation works.