Fire regulations for rented properties are outlined through many different laws (*a sample but not complete list below) which can be confusing, and subject to change, but if a landlord doesn’t follow the latest legislation, there could be severe penalties, which may include extensive fines and even prosecution.
*Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988/1989, 1993 and 2010 - These regulations outline the minimum levels of fire resistance the furniture and furnishings in your rental property must have.
Any furniture or furnishings supplied in your property must be suitably labelled to show they meet the specified ignition resistance levels.
*The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 which was amended for England in 2022 – Increases the number of alarms required in rental properties and confirms the landlord is responsibility for repairing and replacing faulty alarms.
The new Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations extends to HMO properties in England and will be reflected in changes to the licence conditions after October 1st, 2022. All responsibility for compliance lies with the landlord, and Fire Safety in HMO properties requires additional fire safety conditions, and dependant on the local authority and licensing conditions the requirements can vary from property to property and area to area.
Landlords of HMO properties are legally obliged to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment, to instruct a qualified Fire Safety Officer to assess the property and complete a report proposing actions that will eliminate or limit the consequences should a fire occur.
Russell Flanagan, Compliance Director, is an accredited assessor of both commercial and domestic properties including HMO, he can attend your property, produce the report, commission, and manage all recommendations and liaise with the Local Authority to ensure your property is compliant.
All applicants for HMO licenses will be asked to make a declaration that,