Fire Risk Assessments for HMOs

At Lanahan Risk Management Services, we aim to simplify the fire risk assessment process for you, while still ensuring that your HMO is legally compliant with all the relevant legislation.
 

Do you need a fire risk assessment for a HMO?

Yes, it is a legal requirement to have a fire risk assessment for all licensed Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) in England and Wales under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Fire risk assessments are essential for identifying any shortcomings and outlining the required actions. It also provides legal protection for landlords in the event of an unforeseen accident.

Book a HMO Fire Risk Assessment Today

How fire risk assessments for HMOs work

A fire risk assessment for a HMO involves a systematic review of the property in order to identify any potential fire hazards and the level of risk associated, as well as developing an action plan to minimise these risks. The assessment must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ who has knowledge and experience in fire safety.

A comprehensive fire risk assessment needs to include 5 key steps:

1. Identification of any fire hazards - This should be a list of potential fire hazards and combustibles in the property.

2. Understand who is at risk - Fires can pose a greater threat to certain types of people in the property, especially if they are elderly or have disabilities. This is why it is essential you take the time to establish who they are and what measures need to be put in place to support them.

3. Evaluate, reduce and protect from risk - Assess risk levels to consider how likely a fire is to happen. Then, reduce down or remove fire hazards entirely, and implement all relevant fire safety measures (extinguishers, escape routes, etc) with materials to prevent fire spread.

4. Record, plan and train - Training is an essential part of your fire risk assessment and you should be creating a plan for yourself and other owners of the property so you are aware how to act in the event of a fire emergency.

5. Review regularly - Once you have created your fire risk assessment, you should be reviewing regularly to identify any changes in the risks and then update your procedures accordingly.


For information, you can read our fire safety risk assessment checklist.

Legislation around HMO fire safety in the UK

HMOs are subject to specific fire safety regulations that are outlined in the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform Act (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

It is a legal requirement for property owners and managers to conduct fire risk assessments and take appropriate measures in order to mitigate any fire risks identified.

The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 also details the responsibilities property owners and managers, including:

  • Providing contact information to tenants of each household and ensuring they are clearly on display at all times in the HMO
  • Ensuring all fire escape routes are clear, well maintained and clearly signposted 
  • Ensuring all electrical installations are inspected and tested every 5 years by a qualified electrician
  • Maintaining living accommodation, as well as fixtures, fittings and appliances

Specific requirements may also be different depending on your local council, so it is always a good idea to check these specific guidelines to ensure you remain legally compliant.

How often should a HMO have a fire risk assessment?

Although the law does not state a specific time period, a HMO should have a fire risk assessment at least once a year or whenever there are significant changes to the property.

Changes to the property can include:

  • Moving around furniture
  • Changing the property’s layout
  • Building an extension
  • If there has been a fire in the past
  • Fire safety equipment has been stolen, damaged, replaced or upgraded

Protect your HMO with a Fire Risk Assessment

HMO fire risk assessments by Lanahan Risk Management Services

For many HMO owners and managers, conducting a fire risk assessment is often something that they cannot fit into their busy schedule. This is where our team at Lanahan Risk Management Services can help with our fire risk assessment services.

Our team has a wealth of knowledge helping HMO property owners complete their fire risk assessment, as well as providing actionable steps to improve the safety of every tenant.

We can help to simplify the fire risk assessment process by explaining all the fire safety regulations that you are required to follow, while also ensuring you are fully compliant and your property is safe. 


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