Landlords are being urged to review the fine print of their insurance policies following a sharp rise in fires caused by improperly disposed disposable vapes — fires that could invalidate both home and landlord insurance claims.

The Hidden Fire Hazard: Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes, unlike reusable models, contain non-removable lithium batteries that pose a significant fire risk if thrown into general waste or recycling bins. These batteries can explode if damaged, leading to severe property damage.

Data from Electric Tobacconist shows a 348% increase in vape-related fires since 2020 — equating to over 1,000 incidents in just a few years, or one fire every 1.7 days.

Insurance Implications for Landlords

The implications for landlords are potentially serious. According to Property118 and their landlord insurance partner The Home Insurer, negligent tenant behaviour, such as improper vape disposal, could lead to rejected or delayed insurance claims if fire damage occurs.

“While landlord insurance typically covers fire damage, claims involving malicious or negligent acts by tenants may fall outside the standard terms,” explains Jason McClean, director of The Home Insurer.

If a tenant disposes of a vape incorrectly and causes a fire, insurers may attempt to recover costs from the tenant — but landlords could still find themselves in legal limbo or facing repair delays during the claims process.

What Landlords Should Do Now

1. Check your policy: Look for any exclusions related to tenant negligence or fire damage caused by electronic devices.

2. Communicate with tenants: Provide information about the risks of improper vape disposal and safe charging practices.

3. Promote responsible disposal: Encourage tenants to use sites like Recycle Your Electricals to locate proper vape disposal facilities.

4. Document your communications: Keep a record of any tenant communications or signage provided around safe waste practices.

Safety Tips to Pass to Tenants

• Never bin disposable vapes in general waste or household recycling.

• Use designated electrical waste or hazardous recycling points.

• Avoid charging vapes overnight or near flammable items.

• Dispose of damaged or expired devices safely and promptly.