Fire Risk Assessment for HMOs: What Landlords Need to Know.

whiterosefiresafety
Jun 23
3 min read

If you’re a landlord or property manager of an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), fire safety compliance is not just a legal requirement—it's a critical part of protecting your tenants and your investment.

In this post, we explain what a fire risk assessment for an HMO involves, who needs one, and how to stay compliant with UK fire safety laws in 2025.

🏠 What Is an HMO and Why Does It Require a Fire Risk Assessment?

An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a property rented out by three or more people who are not from the same household (e.g., a group of students or professionals), but share common facilities like a kitchen or bathroom.

Due to the nature of HMOs, the risk of fire is significantly higher compared to single-let properties. Shared spaces, high tenant turnover, and varied levels of fire awareness among residents make fire safety measures more complex and essential.

That’s why HMO fire safety regulations are stricter, and why all HMOs must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out regularly.

⚖️ HMO Fire Safety Regulations in the UK

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all landlords and responsible persons must ensure their property is fire safe. Local councils and licensing authorities also have specific requirements under HMO licensing conditions.

Key responsibilities include:

Conducting a fire risk assessment
Installing adequate smoke alarms and fire detection systems
Maintaining clear escape routes and emergency exits
Installing fire doors and compartmentation
Providing fire extinguishers and signage where required

Failure to comply can lead to:

Fines of up to £20,000 per offence
Loss of HMO licence
Criminal prosecution
Risk of injury or death

What’s Included in an HMO Fire Risk Assessment?

A professional fire risk assessment for HMO properties involves a detailed inspection of the premises to identify potential fire hazards and assess existing fire safety measures.

At White Rose Fire Safety, our qualified fire risk assessors review:

Smoke and heat detection systems
Fire alarm panels and call points
Fire doors and door closers
Emergency lighting
Escape routes and signage
Shared kitchens and electrical appliances
Fire extinguishers and maintenance records
Fire safety management procedures

After the inspection, we provide:

A comprehensive written report
Photographic evidence of any issues
A compliance checklist
A practical action plan to bring your property up to standard

Who Needs an HMO Fire Risk Assessment?

If you're any of the following, you are legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment:

Private landlords who own HMOs
Letting agents managing shared houses
HMO property investors or developers
Housing associations and supported living providers

Even if you’ve owned your HMO for years, regulations may have changed—or your local authority may now be enforcing compliance more strictly. Don’t wait for a council inspection or tenant complaint to find out you're not compliant.