Madrid Joins Lisbon, London, Dublin, Barcelona, Milan, Athens Among Top European Cities Right Now Struggling with Fire Safety Standards, New Report is Here

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Madrid joins Lisbon, London, Dublin, Barcelona, Milan, and Athens among the top European cities right now struggling with fire safety standards. A new report has exposed alarming gaps in fire safety across these major European destinations.

With cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona showing the lowest presence of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, travellers are increasingly at risk. As fire safety issues persist in these popular destinations, it’s clear that much more needs to be done to protect Airbnb guests.

Keep reading to uncover which cities are falling short and how these safety concerns could affect your next European getaway.

Madrid’s Airbnb Fire Safety Crisis: Top Destinations Struggling with Safety Standards in 2026

A shocking new study has exposed a major fire safety crisis in popular European destinations, with Madrid, Spain, ranking as the worst for Airbnb fire safety in the continent. Only 26.53% of Airbnb listings in Madrid are equipped with smoke alarms, leaving travellers at a serious risk. Meanwhile, Lisbon, Barcelona, Milan, and Athens are also lagging behind, putting visitors in danger. This startling revelation comes from an in-depth analysis by personal injury experts at claims.co.uk, who scrutinized over 236,000 Airbnb listings across 20 major European cities. If you’re planning your next winter escape, this critical safety issue must be at the forefront of your mind.

Why Madrid Leads the Pack in Dangerous Airbnb Listings: The Alarming Lack of Smoke Alarms

Madrid is far and away the worst city in Europe when it comes to Airbnb fire safety. Just 26.53% of its 10,218 Airbnb listings are equipped with a smoke alarm, a number shockingly below the European average of 61.93%. Even more concerning is the fact that only 14.80% of these properties are fitted with both a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. For travellers, this means that nearly 75% of Airbnb properties in Madrid fail to meet basic safety standards. These startling numbers paint a grim picture for anyone looking to book a safe winter stay in Spain’s capital.

Lisbon and Barcelona Join Madrid in the Safety Crisis: What It Means for Your Next Stay

Lisbon and Barcelona are also in the firing line when it comes to Airbnb safety. In Lisbon, only 29.31% of listings are equipped with smoke alarms, meaning nearly 8,300 properties lack this essential safety feature. Furthermore, just 17.41% of Lisbon’s Airbnb listings are fitted with both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, placing visitors in grave danger. Barcelona fares slightly better, with 30.79% of its listings having smoke alarms. However, 15.68% of the city’s listings are still without both key safety devices. As the tourism industry continues to boom in these cities, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect Airbnb guests from the ever-present threat of fire hazards.

Milan and Athens Are Close Behind: Why Fire Safety Remains an Afterthought in Southern Europe

Milan and Athens round out the bottom five cities with alarming low rates of Airbnb fire safety. Only 33.96% of Milan’s 17,881 Airbnb listings are equipped with smoke alarms, and even fewer have carbon monoxide detectors. In Athens, the situation is even worse, with just 34.13% of its listings featuring smoke alarms. While Milan has a higher percentage of carbon monoxide detectors (42.88%), the lack of a smoke alarm in so many listings is deeply concerning. These findings highlight a glaring safety issue in some of Europe’s most beloved destinations, where millions of tourists flock every year.

What These Numbers Mean for Airbnb Guests: The Need for Better Fire Safety Regulations

The new data has uncovered a dangerous trend: many of Europe’s most popular Airbnb destinations are failing to meet basic fire safety standards. Travellers deserve peace of mind when they book a place to stay, but with such low percentages of properties equipped with essential fire safety devices, that peace of mind is being jeopardized. The findings from claims.co.uk suggest that it’s not just a case of a few unsafe listings, but a widespread issue that affects major cities across Europe. It’s clear that stronger regulations and improved enforcement are needed to ensure that Airbnb hosts prioritise safety in their properties.

Paris Leads the Charge: 100% of Airbnb Listings Are Smoke Alarm-Equipped

While many European cities struggle with fire safety, Paris is a shining example of how things should be done. Paris stands out as the best city in terms of Airbnb fire safety, with 100% of its 34,416 listings featuring a smoke alarm. This sets a high standard for other cities to follow. However, despite this impressive statistic, Paris still has room for improvement when it comes to carbon monoxide alarms, with only 24.78% of properties equipped with them. Nevertheless, Paris’ commitment to smoke alarm installation is a model for other cities to aspire to, ensuring that travellers can book with confidence when visiting the French capital.

Dublin and London: How These Cities Set the Bar for Airbnb Fire Safety

Dublin and London are also excelling in Airbnb fire safety, with 90.78% and 89.26% of listings, respectively, equipped with smoke alarms. This high percentage of smoke alarm installations reflects a strong commitment to guest safety. Dublin, in particular, is leading the way with a staggering 67.86% of its listings also featuring carbon monoxide alarms—the highest of any European city analysed. London, though slightly lower in smoke alarm installation, still maintains impressive standards. The combination of comprehensive safety measures in these cities shows what is possible when local governments and hosts take fire safety seriously.

A Call for Action: What Needs to Be Done to Improve Airbnb Fire Safety Across Europe

The study highlights a glaring need for action when it comes to Airbnb fire safety. Cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona must urgently address the lack of basic safety features like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their properties. Governments and local authorities must enforce stricter regulations to ensure that all Airbnb properties meet fire safety standards. The industry must come together to ensure that hosts understand the importance of equipping their properties with the necessary safety devices. With more than 236,000 Airbnb listings examined, it’s clear that widespread change is needed to protect guests from the dangers of impaired fire safety.

How to Protect Yourself When Booking an Airbnb: Tips for Travellers in 2026

When booking an Airbnb, it’s essential to prioritize safety alongside location and price. Here are a few tips to ensure that your stay is as safe as possible:

• Check the Listing: Always ask the host if smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed. This is particularly important in cities like Madrid and Lisbon, where fire safety is lacking.
• Look for Verified Listings: Some platforms offer listings that meet higher safety standards—always look for these.
• Contact Hosts for Clarity: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your host and ask about fire safety measures before booking.
• Report Unsafe Listings: If you encounter an unsafe listing, report it to Airbnb immediately so they can address the issue.

Conclusion: Ensuring Your Winter Escape Is Safe from Fire Hazards

As we head into the winter travel season, it’s vital to consider safety when booking your Airbnb. The recent study by claims.co.uk highlights significant gaps in fire safety across major European cities, with Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona leading the pack in unsafe listings. However, Paris, Dublin, and London show how cities can set higher standards for safety, ensuring travellers feel protected. As a traveller, it’s crucial to be proactive and ask about fire safety before booking. Only by taking these precautions can we ensure that our winter escapes are both enjoyable and safe.