HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Fire Risks

There has been an increase in the number of enquiries relating to Fire Risk Assessments in HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in Milton Keynes, for which we can offer our services for property owners in this area, as well as Northamptonshire.

Under the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, HMOs are required to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment.If there are three or more tenants in a HMO it is required to be licensed, including having a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment in place.

What is a HMO?

A HMO can be described as one of the following:

• An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants who form 2 or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
• A house which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to 3 or more tenants who form two or more households and who share kitchen, bathroom or toilet facilities.
• A converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self contained (i.e the flat does not contain within it a kitchen, bathroom and toilet) and which is occupied by 3 or more tenants who form two or more households.
• A building which is converted entirely into self-contained flats if the conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies.

In order to be an HMO the property must be used as the tenants’ only or main residence, and it should be used solely or mainly to house tenants.

Whether you are thinking of buying an HMO, or refurbishing a property and converting it into an HMO, understanding what fire regulations there are for that kind of property is going to be essential. The fire regulations and rules around fire safety are more detailed and there is more to do to get the property up to standard.

If you are a property owner in Milton Keynes or Northamptonshire who lets out HMO's, check you are compliant with the law and request your fire risk assessment today.

Fire Risk in HMOs

It is important in a House of Multiple Occupation that all shared areas and communal spaces are in regularly inspected and maintained.These areas will often be the escape route to ultimate safety, and therefore should be the basis of your Fire Risk Assessment.

It is vital that any outbreak of fire is audible to all tenants and they are able to leave the building in a safe manner. The installation of an Emergency Lighting and Fire Alarm Warning System should be considered and your Fire Safety expert will be able to advise the best solutions for your property.