Questions About HMO Fire Risk Assessment

We get a lot of enquires from HMO landlords and tenants in HMO properties. Let’s talk about HMO fire risk assessment and the requirements that are needed from HMO landlords to make sure that building and the tenants are safe.

Do HMOs need fire risk assessments?

HMO’s must have a fire risk assessment in place. The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 places a duty on the responsible person to take general fire precautions. This is to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of the people on the premises and in the immediate vicinity. The Responsible Person in a HMO would be the Landlord or the Managing Agent.

How often should a HMO have a fire risk assessment?

HMOs should have a Fire Risk Assessment either yearly or two yearly, or when something significantly changes with the building or its occupants. As an example, a 2 storey HMO undergoes a loft conversion with bedrooms put in the roof space and is now a 3 storey building. The FRA would definitely need to be redone.

Does the Fire Safety Order apply to HMO?

The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to HMO’s and every landlord needs to comply. If you’re a tenant within an HMO, just ask your landlord for a copy of the HMO fire risk assessment.

Do all doors in a HMO have to be fire doors?

Usually, all bedroom doors, kitchen doors, utility room doors or other doors where appliances are housed, living room and electrical cupboard/meter cupboard doors should be fire doors. Bathrooms or shower rooms wouldn’t normally need a fire door.

Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?

Fire Risk Assessments should be carried out by a suitably trained and competent person. This is something at Acuity Compliance we are passionate about. The safety of others and making sure buildings are safe for tenants to live in.