Fire Safety in
HMOs
HMO are generally considered to
present a greater risk when considering fire safety than most other
forms of private rented housing. This is often because they tend to
consist of larger properties with a greater number of occupiers
living in separate accommodation with an increased number of fire
sources.
It is often the case that HMO have existed for many
years, and the original conversion may not have been carried out to
the necessary standards required by the Building Regulations in
force at that time.
HMO are also subject to an increased turnover of tenants which can
often result in damage to key fire safety measures.
Because of the high fire risk posed by many HMO, the council works
closely with the London Fire Brigade to ensure that appropriate
fire safety measures are provided to safeguard tenants. The fire
brigade also require that HMO landlords undertake a fire safety
risk assessment and implement any actions identified as a
result.
To reduce the fire safety risk, many HMO are provided with smoke
detection and fire alarm systems and other fire protection
measures, including fire doors, fire blankets and fire separation
between each floor.
Landlords who would like further information regarding the fire
safety measures should consult the national fire safety guidance
for HMO.
Where fire safety measures are provided, it is important that these
are checked and maintained by HMO landlords, and also that they are
not damaged by tenants. It is also important that tenants inform
landlords if there are any concerns relating to the fire
precautions provided for their safety.