Fire safety in shared houses: a landlord's guide

Shared houses carry a higher fire risk than single-family lets, so councils expect more. The exact standard depends on the size and layout, and your council's HMO rules.

Start with a fire risk assessment

A competent assessor looks at escape routes, alarms, doors and how people use the house, then gives you a written action plan. Review it every year, or sooner after changes.

Alarms

• Most HMOs need a mains-wired, linked fire alarm system.
• Larger HMOs often need a panel system, tested regularly and serviced by a pro.

Escape routes

• Fire doors on kitchens and bedrooms, with self-closers that actually close.
• Emergency lighting where the escape route would be dark if the power fails.
• Keep corridors and stairs clear of bikes, bins and furniture.

Keeping records

• Keep test logs for the alarm and lighting.
• Keep certificates for gas safety, the EICR and PAT testing in one place.
• Check fire doors regularly and fix gaps, broken closers and missing seals.

Licensing

Many councils need an HMO licence. The council checks fire safety as part of it.

Tip: Our HMO pack books the fire risk assessment, alarm, lighting, fire doors, EICR, gas, PAT and legionella checks in one request.