Landlords and tenants
Responsibilities of the landlord / owner / manager
Under the mandatory licensing scheme a HMO must be licensed if its occupied by:
The licence ensures that the property is managed correctly and meets safety standards. These safety standards include fire safety.
Here are a few areas to consider:
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Do the escape routes require the provision of a fire barrier between the common areas and living accommodation to create a protected route to the place of ultimate safety? Escape routes should always be free of any obstructions.
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The need for a fire detection and warning system and whether this should be included in the living accommodation.
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Is there a need for emergency escape lighting?
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Is fire fighting equipment and facilities needed?
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Is there a need for signs and notices?
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Recording, planning, informing, instructing and training which will require producing a fire action plan.
Below is some further information to support you:
LACORS fire safety guide is intended for buildings which have been constructed or adapted for use as a domestic property and includes HMO's. However it doesn't apply to properties constructed or converted to a standard in compliance with the building regulations 1991 or later.
Tenant Fire Safety
Here are some Do's and Don'ts.
Do:
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Become familiar with escape routes and exits from the building. The final exit door from a HMO should be easily openable from the inside without the use of a key. This also applies to exit doors from each flat or bedsit.
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Unplug electrical appliances at night.
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Close communal and bedroom doors, particularly when people are sleeping. Including during the day when those who may work nights would be sleeping.
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Check for burning cigarettes before going to bed.
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Keep storage to designated areas.
Don't:
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Wedge open fire doors.
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Remove door closing devices.
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Tamper with fire alarms or equipment.
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Overfill chip pans.
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Smoke in bed.
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Block halls and stairways, including bikes, pushchairs etc.
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Overload plug sockets or have extension leads running of extension leads.
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Leave matches, cooking or heating appliances unattended.
Student Fire Safety
Last updated: Tuesday 18 May 2021