Fire Risk Assessments for HMOs
Protect your tenants and property with expert fire risk assessments from Fire Safety Solutions.
Protect Your HMO with a Fire Risk Assessment
Managing Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) comes with its own set of challenges. At Fire Safety Solutions, we understand the complexities involved in ensuring the safety of your tenants while complying with fire safety regulations. Whether you are an existing landlord or HMO licence holder, or are in the process of applying for your HMO licence, we can help ensure that your property is compliant and your tenants are protected.
Our tailored fire risk assessment services are here to alleviate your concerns and provide peace of mind.
- We’ll take the hassle out of complex HMO fire regulations
- Our experts will provide robust advice and guidance for your peace of mind
- Keep your tenants safe with fully compliant fire risk assessments
How is an HMO Defined By Law?
In the UK, a House in Multiple Occupation or House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) is legally defined under Part 7, Section 254 of the Housing Act 2004. An HMO is a property where three or more tenants, forming two or more households, share basic facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet. The Act further categorises HMOs into two main types: small HMOs and large HMOs.
Small HMOs typically consist of properties occupied by three to six unrelated individuals, forming two or more households, who share basic amenities.
Large HMOs, on the other hand, encompass properties occupied by at least five unrelated individuals forming two or more households, who share basic amenities. Large HMOs are subject to more extensive regulations, including stricter fire safety requirements, due to the higher occupancy and associated risks.
The Importance of Fire Risk Assessments for House Shares
Ensuring the safety of occupants in HMOs and shared houses requires stringent fire safety measures, tailored to the risks associated with these residential accommodations.
HMOs, with their unique structural complexities and higher density of residents, are particularly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of fire. Obtaining an HMO license is contingent upon affirming that a regular and up-to-date fire risk assessment is readily available for review.
Fire risk assessments stand as a pivotal requirement for HMOs. Mandated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in the UK, these assessments serve to ensure that all occupants dwelling within HMOs are granted the maximum protection against fire-related incidents. Landlords who oversee these properties bear the critical responsibility of prioritising the wellbeing of their tenants, which includes implementing rigorous fire safety strategies.
At Fire Safety Solutions, we offer a comprehensive fire risk assessment service for landlords managing HMOs. We understand that you may not have the time or specialist knowledge to complete a fire risk assessment, but can appreciate that you still want to keep your tenants safe and protect yourself legally in the event of a fire. To book your fire risk assessment, complete our contact form today, or call 0330 133 5150.
What Is The Law Surrounding Fire Risk Assessments for HMOs?
The cornerstone of fire safety for HMOs is anchored in the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These key pieces of legislation impose stringent safety standards and hold housing providers accountable for assessing and managing fire safety risks, particularly in areas shared by multiple tenants.
In addition, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) within the Housing Act 2004 sets a benchmark for the systematic assessment of potential fire risks in residential accommodations, including HMOs. Moreover, the explicit requirement for fire risk assessments is pivotal to acquiring 3 to 5-year HMO licenses, ensuring that all properties follow the established guidelines of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The fire risk assessment of a shared property must take into account the unique configurations and dynamics of these living spaces. In summary, the fire risk assessment must review the following periodically:
- Identify potential fire risks within the property.
- Determine who could be harmed by the potential fire hazards.
- Evaluate whether the identified fire risks are adequately controlled.
- Outline reasonable and effective measures to control or eliminate hazards identified.
Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is required that the fire risk assessment be carried out by a 'Responsible Person'. This is identified as someone who possesses the capability to identify potential fire risks and recommend effective risk mitigation strategies. Consequently, unless an individual possesses significant experience and accreditation in fire safety, we strongly advise engaging one of our qualified fire safety assessors to conduct the assessment. You can speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team by calling 0330 133 5150, or get a fire risk assessment quote today by completing our form.
Key Areas To Consider in a Fire Risk Assessment for HMOs
Property Layout and Number of Occupants
For smaller HMOs spread over one or two floors, regulations stipulate that appropriate fire safety measures must be established. This includes the installation of mains-operated interlinked smoke detectors that conform to the British Standard (BS) 5839-6. Alongside, heat detectors are also crucial, especially within high-risk areas like kitchens. Furthermore, the importance of fire-resistant doors cannot be overstated, as they serve to maintain the integrity of the escape routes in the event of a fire.
Larger HMOs that extend over three or more floors must incorporate additional fire safety features to account for the greater complexity of evacuation. These may include the aforementioned fire doors, installed to prevent the spread of smoke and flames, as well as emergency lighting to guide occupants to safety, particularly in the event of power failure.
Shared Spaces
Landlords of HMOs are responsible for mitigating the risk of fire not only in individual dwellings of HMO tenants, but in common spaces also. In fact, it is often these common spaces that accommodate the biggest fire risks, such as kitchens.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 determines the legal obligations for fire safety in the common areas of HMOs. The law requires that shared spaces within HMOs, such as stairwells, corridors, kitchens, and communal living areas, are equipped with appropriate fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, fire-resistant doors, and escape routes.
Additionally, landlords must conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify and address potential fire hazards in shared spaces, implement necessary control measures, and provide fire safety information to occupants.
Escape Routes and Emergency Exits
The density of residents in HMOs makes fire evacuation plans a key part of your fire risk assessment. Ensuring that multiple tenants can make their way out of the building in an efficient manner is key to reducing the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.
Assessing escape routes involves evaluating their accessibility, width, and condition to ensure they can accommodate the anticipated number of occupants and facilitate smooth evacuation. Emergency exits must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and easy to open, enabling swift egress in times of crisis. Additionally, the assessment should consider the location and placement of emergency exits to ensure they are strategically positioned throughout the property, minimising travel distances for occupants.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
When evaluating the alarm systems and smoke detectors for HMOs, specific guidelines have been set to ensure optimal levels of fire detection and prevention.
HMOs spanning one or two stories must be equipped with interlinked smoke detectors in key areas, including but not limited to, every hallway, stairwell, and main living room. These measures are crucial for early detection and warning, thereby increasing the chances of safe evacuation.
In larger HMOs, with three stories and above, the fire safety provisions intensify. Fire doors become a mandatory requirement, serving as a critical barrier in the unfortunate event of a fire. These doors should be installed on all main escape routes to maximise protection for the occupants.
Lastly, for larger properties which require firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and blankets under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, these should be readily available in various strategic locations around the HMO. This equipment must undergo annual checks to ensure they are in working order and can be effectively used in the event of a fire.
Fire Risk Assessment Considerations for Vulnerable People in HMOs
Fire risk assessments are dynamic documents that must evolve with the changing circumstances within an HMO. Whether it's due to structural alterations, such as refurbishments, or a shift in resident demographics to include more vulnerable individuals, assessments should be promptly updated to address these changes.
Noncompliance with this critical safety obligation can result in hefty legal repercussions for landlords, including fines or even imprisonment.
To uphold fire safety to the highest degree, HMO landlords are encouraged to rely on the expertise of professional fire risk assessors.
Evaluating Housekeeping and Maintenance Practices
With multiple occupants sharing common areas, it is often found that both private living spaces and shared spaces become cluttered. When tenants use common spaces such as hallways to store bikes, boxes, shoes, and other items, this can have a negative impact on the efficiency of your emergency evacuation procedures.
Some tenants may prefer to cook and eat in their private rooms instead of the shared kitchen, so it is important to check how many electrical and cooking appliances are being used to prevent power surges, or to eliminate fire risks.
To prevent unnecessary fire risks, it may make sense for landlords to implement ‘house rules’ such as keeping corridors clear and prohibiting the use of cooking equipment in bedrooms.
With the help of a professional fire risk assessor such as the team at Fire Safety Solutions, we can recommend policies and enforcements regarding this, which will help protect your property and tenants.
Documenting and Implementing Fire Safety Measures in HMOs
Without proper documentation of a fire risk assessment, landlords of HMOs will not comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
A well-documented written fire risk assessment is not only a compliance measure, but also a functional tool for managing risks effectively. The documentation becomes a living record that should parallel the evolving nature of potential fire risks in your premises.
Once risks are identified, creating an actionable plan to mitigate them becomes the next vital step. To help ensure you have a comprehensive fire safety plan, we would recommend choosing a fire safety professional such as the team at FSS to help with this.
Regular Testing and Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment
Having robust fire safety procedures in place is only effective if regularly tested and maintained. This includes everything from smoke alarms and complex fire detection systems to emergency lighting and firefighting equipment. Each should be subject to a systematic review - alarm systems, for example, must be checked every six months, and components like extinguishers are to be inspected annually by a competent person. Routine tests should be documented, ensuring that any problems are addressed.
Who is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments in Shared Housing and HMOs?
The safety and wellbeing of tenants residing in HMOs is the primary concern for landlords and property owners. To this end, it is their legal responsibility to carry out comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments, designed to ensure a secure living environment.
This duty stems from key legislation, such as the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which explicitly state the need for fire safety risk management.
For HMOs, the "responsible person" (typically the landlord, license holder, or an appointed fire risk assessor) is accountable for initiating and regularly reviewing the risk assessment.
Landlords hold not just a legal duty but a moral imperative to guarantee tenant safety through meticulous fire risk assessments in HMOs. These assessments transcend mere legal formalities; they are vital tools for reducing the likelihood of fires by identifying and rectifying potential hazards. In so doing, they ensure that all safety measures and necessary actions are systematically documented and implemented.
The presence of a comprehensive fire risk assessment provides reassurance for tenants, confirming that their residence adheres to safety standards and that their landlords are dedicated to their safety.
Notifying Tenants of Fire Safety Procedures
In the UK, landlords of HMOs are legally obligated to inform tenants about fire safety procedures and measures in place within the property. The Housing Act 2004, as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016, mandates landlords to provide tenants with a written statement of the fire safety measures applicable to the premises. This statement should include information on escape routes, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment, and any other relevant fire safety provisions.
Additionally, landlords must ensure that tenants receive clear and understandable instructions on what to do in the event of a fire, including evacuation procedures and the location of assembly points.
This notification of fire safety procedures aims to ensure that tenants are adequately informed and prepared to respond appropriately to fire emergencies, thereby enhancing their safety and wellbeing within the premises.
Fire Safety Solutions - Your Partner in Fire Safety
Our comprehensive fire risk assessments tailored specifically for HMOs ensure thorough evaluation and implementation of vital safety measures. By entrusting us with your fire safety needs, you're investing in peace of mind, knowing that your property is equipped to mitigate risks and ensure the wellbeing of your tenants. For an HMO fire risk assessment quote, call 0330 133 5150 or complete our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a fire risk assessment for an HMO?
Landlords of HMOs are legally required to conduct a fire risk assessment. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that the responsible person for the premises, typically the landlord or property manager, must carry out a thorough assessment of fire risks within the property. This assessment involves identifying potential fire hazards, evaluating the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures, and implementing appropriate control measures to mitigate risks.
If you are an HMO licence holder looking for a professional fire risk assessment company, we can help. Contact us today for a fire risk assessment quote by completing our contact form or calling 0330 133 5150
Are fire extinguishers required in HMOs?
The requirement for fire extinguishers in HMOs depends on various factors, including the size and layout of the property, the number of occupants, and the identified fire risks. While there is no blanket requirement mandating the installation of fire extinguishers in all HMOs, landlords are obligated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to conduct a fire risk assessment. This assessment will determine whether fire extinguishers are necessary based on the identified fire hazards and the specific needs of the property.