HMO fire safety

HMOs must have fire safety regulations and detection systems in place.

The Regulatory Reform Act (Fire Safety) Order 2005 means that the landlord, or responsible person in charge of a HMO, must take reasonable steps to reduce fire risk and make sure people can escape if there is a fire.

They must also provide a written fire risk assessment and update it regularly. 

You can download a copy of the HMO fire risk template:

HMOs with one or two floors

The fire detection system must meet BS5838 Part 6 LD2 Type D1 (tamperproof battery back-up) or D2 (replaceable battery back-up). The system must include:

  • mains operated interlinked smoke detectors in the entrance, hallway, living areas and landing areas
  • an interlinked fixed temperature heat detector in the kitchen
  • sound, close-fitting traditional construction doors or fire doors fitted on all doors that open onto the main route of escape - not hollow panel doors
  • a fire blanket compliant to BS EN:1869 in the kitchen
  • mortice rim locks or ‘quick release latches’ fitted to the entrance door, and any other door opening on to the main route of escape - key operated locks are not acceptable

HMOs with three or more floors

Larger HMOs will need extra fire safety and detection measures, like fire doors.

Some HMOs might need emergency lighting depending on the level of natural and artificial light.