Fire Risk Assessment for HMO
Identifying fire hazards in HMOs to minimise risk.
Ensuring compliance & fire safety in HMOs
At Pyrotec, we’re a fire risk assessment company, that understands the fire safety challenges that come with residential properties. This can include purpose built flats, buildings converted into flats, and houses with rented rooms. There’s also a legal requirement to have a fire risk assessment for short term lets and all commercial buildings. A fire risk assessment for HMO must be reviewed regularly and is an important step to safeguarding tenants, staff, and customers, as they identify hazards and recommend measures to prevent a fire. A HMO fire risk assessment keeps you compliant with government regulations while also providing landlords and company owners with legal protection in the event of unforeseen incidents.
At Pyrotec, our team of fully qualified assessors can provide comprehensive HMO fire risk assessments in accordance with current UK fire safety regulations. And as we’re backed by the LS Fire Group, we can provide our services nationwide with the help of our partner brands, as well as in our local areas of Brighton, Crawley, and Eastbourne.
Legal fire safety regulations for HMO
You can find the fire safety regulations for HMOs in the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It’s the responsibility of the property owner or manager to carry out an HMO fire risk assessment and implement risk measures. The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 defines the responsibilities of licence holders and tenants, with many local councils extending these requirements to Selective Licensing schemes. Ensuring compliance with these regulations for fire safety in HMOs is essential for protecting both your tenants and your property.
Key elements of a HMO fire risk assessment
Our fire risk assessments for HMO are required to:
- Identify persons at risk
- Recognise hazards and potential fire risks
- Determine fire safety equipment and assets
- Include and document information regarding further action
- Have a definitive date for a subsequent fire risk assessment
During our HMO fire risk assessment, we’ll use a handheld tablet to provide a custom mobile application to produce a report in accordance with the PAS 79 format. We can also provide corresponding photos of hazards and risks identified during the assessment, which is combined with expert advice and guidance on the preventive measures which should be taken, along with any action required to rectify or correct any issues which could cause fire to break.
Our fire safety in HMOs services
Fire alarm services
Our services include fire alarm maintenance, repairs, and fire alarm installation of a range of different systems, including wireless alarms and emergency lighting solutions. Our systems are designed to meet the specific needs and regulations for HMOs.
Fire extinguisher services
We provide installation and maintenance on a range of fire extinguishers for your HMO property – from foam, CO2, and water extinguishers to powder and wet chemical extinguishers.
Fire safety training
We deliver comprehensive fire safety training which can be specifically tailored to the needs of HMOs. This ensures that both landlords and tenants understand the procedures and their responsibilities.
Fire doors and exits
We can install both internal fire doors and external fire doors. Our services also cover replacement doors, maintenance, and repairs, as well as thorough surveys to meet the highest safety standards in HMO properties.
Fire safety equipment
From sprinklers and signage to automatic opening vents, wet risers, and dry risers, we provide essential fire safety equipment for HMOs. Our expert team ensures that all equipment is installed and maintained to the highest standards of compliance.
Passive fire protection
Our passive fire protection services include fire barriers, fire stoppage, and kitchen suppression systems. These measures are key to preventing the spread of fire within an HMO and protecting both lives and property by containing potential fires.
Highly-experienced and fully-qualified specialists
At Pyrotec, we boast a team of highly experienced and fully qualified specialists who are dedicated to ensuring fire safety in HMOs. You can count on us to carry out HMO fire risk assessments to the highest standards and cover all your fire service needs.
If you own or manage a HMO in Brighton, Eastbourne, Crawley, or elsewhere in the UK, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to provide expert support and guidance specific to your property’s needs.
Fire safety is a responsibility that never rests and we’re here to implement complete fire protection for your business. Get in touch with our industry-leading experts to learn how we prevent fires, protect lives, and ensure compliance for you.
0808 501 5936
FAQ’s
- What is an HMO fire risk assessment and who needs one?
- An HMO fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of a House in Multiple Occupation. It examines fire hazards, escape routes, fire detection systems, means of compartmentation, and overall safety for multiple occupants. If you own or manage an HMO (shared house, bedsits, flats with shared kitchens/bathroom, or similar), you are legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure your property has a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for HMO properties, whether you carry it out yourself or commission a competent provider.
- What does a comprehensive HMO fire risk assessment cover?
- A full fire risk assessment HMO service examines all common hazard sources – including cooking areas, electrical supplies, heating, shared facilities like kitchens or laundries, communal escape routes, fire doors, and fire detection systems. It identifies who is at risk (tenants, visitors, maintenance staff), assesses escape routes and compartmentation, evaluates fire safety equipment (alarms, extinguishers, lighting, signage), records deficiencies, and recommends corrective actions. Recommendations are typically prioritised, and a review schedule is set to maintain ongoing compliance.
- Is there a standard fire risk assessment HMO template landlords can use, or should I always use a professional provider?
- While basic fire risk assessment HMO template checklists exist for small, simple HMOs (for example for bedsits or small shared houses), licensed HMOs or large, multi‑storey properties often require a more detailed and technical approach. The law requires the assessment to be “suitable and sufficient”, which means it must properly reflect the complexity of the building, occupancy, and fire safety measures. For many HMO landlords, using accredited fire risk assessment providers is the safest option to ensure compliance, legal coverage, and thoroughness.
- How frequently should an HMO fire risk assessment be reviewed or updated?
- Once an initial HMO fire risk assessment is completed, it must be kept under review. Best practice recommends a full review whenever there is a change in tenancy, a significant alteration to building layout or use, or any change in fire safety systems. For many landlords and managing agents, this means an annual review. However, if the property has high turnover, many tenants, or complex common areas, more frequent checks may be prudent. Ongoing review ensures compliance and reduces fire risk for residents.
- What happens if my HMO fails to have a proper fire risk assessment and how can I get a quote for one?
- Failing to conduct a proper fire risk assessment for HMO properties can lead to serious consequences, such as enforcement action, licence revocation (for licensed HMOs), legal liability, insurance issues, or prosecution under fire safety regulations. To avoid these risks, it’s sensible to commission a trusted provider. At Pyrotec, we deliver comprehensive HMO fire risk assessment services. You can request a quote by contacting our team directly, so you know exactly what’s included (inspection, full report, recommendations, ongoing support).
