Publications and guidance for landlords and private tenants on fire safety in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Find out about your duties under fire safety law.
Fire Safety Law - Risk Assessment
New fire safety regulations came into force on 1 October 2006.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published an introductory booklet and a guidance document for landlords.
Download Sleeping Accommodation Guide
Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guide - Sleeping Accommodation is now available either to download free of charge, or to purchase a printed copy.
The guide tells you what you have to do to comply with fire safety law, helps you to carry out a fire risk assessment and identifies the general fire precautions you need to have in place.
Sleeping accommodation includes the common areas of houses in multiple occupation, flats and maisonettes.
Guidance from LG Regulation (LACORS)
You can download further guidance on fire safety in residential accommodation from the Local Government Regulation (previously LACORS) website, using the link from this page.
General Advice
Properties vary so much that you should consult the council's Private Housing Team in Environmental Health before wasting money doing unnecessary or inappropriate work.
Fire precautions are intended to prevent the start of fires where possible, give early warning and provide a safe and speedy exit route for the residents.
Depending on the individual property, you are likely to be required to provide:
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a hard-wired (not battery) smoke detection and alarm system
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half hour fire doors on all rooms leading onto the main staircase
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a self-closer on the door to any shared kitchen (one of the most common places for a fire to start)
Fire blankets may be required, and in some circumstances you may be asked to provide emergency lighting.
All main entrance doors must be openable from the inside without a key.
More Information
The need for fire precautions for licensed HMOs is specified in regulations under the Housing Act 2004. For more guidance when applying for a licence go to Related Pages.
Tenants can get fire safety advice from the Fire Kills website using the link from this page and download a free leaflet Fire Safety for People in Shared or Rented Accommodation.
You can also download a guide for landlords and tenants on how to reduce false alarms from fire detection and warning equipment.
