Step by step guide for landlords and agents in Eastbourne for completing the application form for a property licence for Houses in Multiple Occupation.
All HMOs should have a safe escape route in the event of fire and adequate fire precautions, which include fire alarms, smoke and heat detectors, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
These must be well maintained and adequate for the number of residents and the size of the property.
In Part 8 of the application form you are required to provide information about the fire safety provisions in the property that needs to be licensed.
They include fire detection and emergency lighting systems, and other fire precautions such as fire doors and a protected means of escape (i.e. staircases, landings etc).
A ‘30 minute fire door’ is one which must be capable of providing 30 minutes fire resistance in terms of integrity when tested or assessed to BS 476: Part 22: 1987.
An ‘emergency lighting system’ is designed to automatically illuminate the escape route upon failure of the supply to the normal artificial lighting.
Any emergency lighting system installed in the property must comply with BS 5266: Part 1: 2005.
‘Fire safety equipment’ such as extinguishers and fire blankets where provided must be checked periodically and the correct sort of extinguisher must be provided. As a general guide, water extinguishers are required in escape routes, and carbon dioxide extinguishers along with fire blankets are required in shared kitchens.
New fire safety laws will come into force on 1 October 2006. A risk assessment guide for landlords (Guide 3 - Sleeping Accommodation) is now available, either to download free of charge, or to purchase as a printed copy - see Related Pages.
