HMO Fire Safety Regulations

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As a rule of thumb, landlords are under a common law duty to ensure that the property they provide is safe. All residential properties in England and Wales should comply with building regulations.

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HMOs are considered to have a higher risk of a fire than Single Lets and regular residential properties, so that means they have different (higher) standards. But there’s nothing to be overly concerned about, because most of it is based on applying good old common sense.

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HMO Fire safety requirements can vary by local authority, and generally, the guidelines for what is required in order to be granted a HMO licence will determine what you need to do in order to meet your fire safety obligations. As well as local guidance there is also the LACORS guidance.

 

LACORS is the body which co-ordinates local authority regulators. With the approval of Communities and Local Government, as well as the Association of Chief Fire Officers.

Click here to find out more about LACORS.

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The best thing to do is contact a HMO licencing company as they would ensure that the HMOs in a given area meet the required standards, so they would be able to inform you of exactly what you need to do in order to comply in regards to fire safety.

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The requirements may include the following (but as said, may vary by each local authority):

• Installing fire doors

• Supplying fire blankets and fire extinguishers

• Installing specific types of door handles and locks (e.g. Thumb Turn Locks)

• Installation of fire and CO alarms

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However, it’s still crucial to check with a profesional.