HMO Fire Regulations - Introduction

Entering the realm of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) landlords involves complying with certain crucial legal duties pertaining to HMO fire regulations.

Primarily, it's essential to have all the required documents in check. This includes obtaining a HMO licence, preparing tenancy contracts, and possibly even securing HMO insurance. But the list doesn’t stop there.

There are specified legal prerequisites regarding room dimensions and the number of tenants permissible in rooms of particular sizes. Also, legal authorisations for any structural modifications to the property must be obtained.

One mandatory and legally binding aspect is adhering to fire safety norms and confirming that your HMO property is gas safe.

Below are some essential pointers about HMO fire safety regulations to guide you on the correct path…

HMO Fire Safety Regulations

Strict fire safety norms are in place and must be complied with. Failure to familiarise yourself with these obligations or not implementing them could have grave legal implications in case of a fire.

Being uninformed does not absolve you from meeting the Fire Safety requirements for HMO Buildings. Any negligence can endanger tenants and emergency responders.

Here are a few crucial details you should be aware of:

• Fire safety is paramount in all rented HMO properties. Hence, it's obligatory to install and sustain smoke and carbon monoxide alarm systems and acquire all the necessary fire safety certifications. HMO alarm systems should be interlinked and powered by the mains.
• Routine gas safety inspections should be conducted and safety certificates for all gas appliances in your property should be submitted to the local authority. You are also required to submit an updated gas safety certificate annually to keep their records current. Safety inspections cannot be done by you. Professional services are needed for gas safety checks and testing of all electrical appliances. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and test certificates are mandatory.
• As a responsible HMO landlord, you are expected to fit fire doors and inform tenants to avoid blocking them or leaving them open. It is your responsibility to mark fire exits and escape routes and provide clear instructions to tenants on what to do in case of a fire. These instructions should be displayed prominently, like on a notice board in the communal kitchen.
• All kitchens and any bedrooms equipped with cooking facilities must have a wall-mounted fire blanket to extinguish small pan fires. These blankets should be periodically inspected for damage. Additionally, as a HMO landlord, you must ensure that all provided furniture and furnishings comply with fire resistance norms.
• Fire extinguishers are not legally required in HMOs unless deemed necessary by the fire risk assessment. This is because they are prone to vandalism and increase the likelihood of tenants attempting to put out fires without proper training instead of just evacuating the premises.
• In case of a fire, the optimal course of action is always: evacuate, dial 999, and remain outside.

HMO Fire Risk Assessments

Upon investing in a HMO property, the local authorities will conduct a visit within the first five years.

They will carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) risk assessment. If any safety hazards are identified, such as asbestos, carbon monoxide, or radiation, you will be obliged to address them without delay.

If any areas of concern are detected, your obligations as a HMO landlord require you to promptly rectify them to meet the standards.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants also have duties in allowing you, their HMO landlord, to perform your management responsibilities.

They should not prevent you from maintaining and inspecting the HMO property. They must grant access for any safety inspections.

Moreover, they should avoid leaving fire doors open, tampering with alarms, or obstructing fire escape routes with furniture or other items, and must be informed about the risks of such actions.

It is essential to provide clear written instructions to your tenants, along with your contact details.

This serves to safeguard both you and your tenants. In case of fire due to negligence, you need to be able to prove that your tenants were informed of their responsibilities.

Making Fire Safety a Priority in Your HMO Property

As you can see, fire safety regulations involve complex and detailed aspects. Given the severe implications of fire, which include potential loss of life, property damage, and financial and reputational repercussions, it is critical to thoroughly understand and abide by the rules before opening your property to tenants. The HMO fire safety regulations are comprehensive, with additional details and requirements compared to single-occupancy properties.

This is due to the increased risk of accidents in HMO properties. This includes several individuals, possibly unknown to each other, living together. Enforcement varies depending on the property location, so it's crucial to research thoroughly.

If you are uncertain about your responsibilities as a HMO landlord, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us via email at info@at-the-place.com or call us at 0333 358 0668. We are ready to assist you with your queries and guide you on the right path.