Did you know that people who live in rented or shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire? As a Landlord you must meet certain fire safety obligations under law. 

​

We are trained to review and assess what measures you currently have in place in respect of fire safety, and produce new Fire Risk Assessments on your behalf to ensure that you are meeting your legal requirements, especially if your property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and requires Licensing.

​

​

The law about HMO’s and fire safety

Anyone who lets property to others is under a general duty in law to provide accommodation that is fit for the purpose and safe.  However, there is a body of legislation that relates specifically to fire safety in HMO’s:

​

• The Housing Act 2004 contains the powers which enable Councils to take action where a range of housing hazards, including the risk of fire, occur. The Act also lays down the licensing requirements for larger HMO’s. It also enables Councils to take control of HMO’s where they seriously threaten the health, safety and well-being of occupiers or people in the locality.

 

• The HMO Management Regulations place duties on the manager of an HMO to keep the fabric, fixtures and fittings in good order; ensure that occupiers are protected from injury and supply and maintain gas, electricity and other services. 

 

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005) which requires any person with some level of control over HMO's (‘Responsible Person’) to:

 

• Take reasonable steps to reduce risk from fire; and

• Make sure anyone in the property can safely escape if a fire occurs.

 

The ‘Responsible Person’ can pass the task to some other competent person (although the ‘Responsible Person’ retains the duty to meet its requirements).

 

The first step in meeting the legislative requirements is to carry out a fire risk assessment. This will identify the potential fire risks in the HMO and forms the basis for action to improve fire safety.  Please contact us to discuss your Fire Risk Assessment needs further.

​

REMEMBER, AS WELL AS YOUR RESIDENT'S LIVES, IT IS ALSO YOUR INVESTMENT WHICH IS AT RISK!

​