As a landlord, you have a responsibility to those you rent to, to keep your property safe from fire, even if letting through a managing agent under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The types of accommodation this includes is Houses In Multiple Occupation (HIMO) and the communal areas in blocks of flats. Alongside the local authority under the Housing Act 2004, Fire Protection Officers (FPOs) will inspect the common areas and have enforcement powers under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
“It is a landlord’s greatest asset to go the extra mile to make sure of fire safety as this is nothing in comparison to what can happen if a fire destroys your property.”
– Ron, landlord of a property that was damaged by fire but was contained to the room as the newly fitted fire door had stopped the flames and smoke spreading to other areas of the house so only minimal damage was caused.
A fire risk assessment must be carried out and the significant findings recorded. This will be a comprehensive assessment of the fire precautions in place and may identify any additional measures that are required to be carried out. The guides below will further help in assessing the hazards and implementing the fire safety precautions that are required.
- Fire safety risk assessment: 5-step checklist – A guide to the principles of fire risk assessment, with a checklist that can be used to record fire risk assessments in simple premises, such as HMOs.
- Home Stamp – A guide to Fire and Security Protection in multi-occupied residential properties
- Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service premises safety checklist (PDF 2MB)
- For more detailed fire safety guidance relating to other residential buildings please consult the guidance published by the Home Office
Fire Risk Assessment (worked example for House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)) (PDF 389KB)
