Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) involve multiple households sharing a property; common kitchens, shared hallways, often higher occupancy. This presents distinct fire safety challenges. Embershield’s HMO Fire Risk Assessment service is designed to capture those particular risks, ensure you’re compliant, and keep tenants safe.
HMO Fire Risk Assessment
Overview
What’s Included
- Detailed survey of the property, including all shared and private spaces, occupant numbers, occupancy patterns (who occupies when), and building layout.
- Evaluation of escape routes: common corridors, stairwells, exit doors; are they clear, adequately lit, well signposted?
- Assessment of fire detection and warning systems are there smoke alarms in correct positions (private and shared areas), are they interlinked, maintained?
- Review of fire safety equipment: extinguishers, fire doors (particularly between dwellings and common spaces), and compartmentation.
- Focus on risk from resident behaviour: cooking, smoking, appliances, personal items in escape routes. Education/training/community awareness may form part of recommendations.
- Consideration of vulnerable residents (e.g. elderly, disabled) and whether evacuation plans suitably address their needs.
Why It’s Critical
- HMOs are often higher risk because of shared facilities, multiple occupancies, and sometimes less direct oversight by residents.
- Landlords, managing agents, and owner‐occupiers have legal responsibilities under Fire Safety regulations to ensure safety; failing to conduct an adequate assessment can lead to enforcement, fines, or liability in case of fire.
- Good fire safety in HMOs can also impact insurance premiums and tenant confidence.
What You Receive from Embershield
- A full written HMO risk assessment: observations, identified hazards, risk ratings, photographic evidence.
- Recommendations / remedial action plan with prioritised items.
- Guidance on maintenance, how to manage and enforce resident responsibilities, how to schedule inspections.
- Advice on fire safety communication: signs, alarms, training, rules for residents.
Who Needs This
- Landlords and letting agents operating HMOs.
- Property developers converting houses to HMOs.
- Local authorities supervising licensing of HMOs.
- Residents’ associations or managers in shared housing arrangements.
Cost, Timing & Area
- We cover South of England & London.
- How long it takes depends on number of units, size/layout, number of communal areas, condition of fire safety systems. Usually site visit plus follow up report.
- Cost depends on property size, complexity, whether remedial works are suggested.
Conclusion
An HMO Fire Risk Assessment by Embershield is not just about ticking regulatory boxes, it’s about protecting residents, avoiding liability, and creating safer, more manageable homes. Whether you’re converting a property, managing a large shared house, or renewing safety compliance, our tailored approach ensures you meet your obligations and keep risks managed.
Experienced, Certified Assessors providing Tailored Solutions
With Embershield, you get more than just a fire risk assessment — you get a partner who understands the nuances of fire safety in your premises. We evaluate current safeguards, identify gaps, and deliver bespoke action plans to keep your building compliant, your people safe, and your liability protected.