HMO Fire Risk Assessment

Overview

If you own or manage an HMO, you carry a clear duty to keep your tenants safe from fire. Shared kitchens, overloaded sockets, and a high tenant turnover raise the risk. Our HMO fire risk assessment service helps you manage those risks, meet your legal duties, and keep your licence in place.

We work with landlords, letting agents, housing providers, and property managers across England and Wales. We focus on practical, real-world fire safety—not abstract regulations. Every HMO is different, and we shape our assessment around how your tenants live and use the space.

HMO fire risk assessments for all types of shared houses
Experienced assessors with fire safety qualifications
Clear advice that works in everyday shared homes
Aligned with the Fire Safety Order and Housing Act
Fast reports for licence applications, renewals, or notices

Book your assessment today or call to talk about your properties and deadlines.

Why Fire Safety in HMOs Needs Extra Attention

An HMO is a property where at least three tenants share areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Because of this setup, the chance of a fire is higher than in a single-family home.

Here’s why HMO properties face more fire risk:

Tenants often cook at different times in the same kitchen
Hallways can become blocked with shoes, furniture, bikes, or bins
People bring in portable heaters, fridges, and adaptors for their rooms
Some tenants come and go late, sometimes under the influence
Most tenants aren’t familiar with fire exits or house safety plans

Poor fire safety in an HMO risks council action, fines, invalid insurance, or licence refusal. That’s why our HMO fire risk assessments focus on both the law and what we see on the ground in real homes.

We Support a Wide Range of HMO Landlords

Whether you have one shared house or twenty, we adjust how we work to fit your needs. We know the pressure from councils, lenders, and insurers, and we help you meet those standards without making things harder than they need to be.

We provide fire safety assessments for:

Small HMOs with just a few tenants
Larger HMOs that need mandatory licences
Shared student houses in university cities
Bedsit-style properties with one kitchen or bathroom per floor
Flats converted into smaller rental units under HMO rules
Letting agents and property managers responsible for safety
Housing groups offering supported or shared housing

We can speak with the local council or fire service if needed, helping you avoid delays or missteps during a licence review.

What We Check in Your HMO

Our HMO fire risk assessment covers how your tenants could be affected if a fire starts. We look at the property, the layout, and how people move through the space. We don’t just look at the physical structure—we check what happens day to day.

Escape Routes and Building Layout

We look at how easy it is for tenants to get out safely:

Position and number of fire exits
Travel distance from rooms to final exits
Width and condition of stairs and hallways
Potential blockages or locked doors

Alarm Systems and Fire Detection

We check how quickly tenants would be alerted:

System category—like LD2, LD3, or custom setups
Smoke and heat detectors in key rooms
How loud the alarms are behind closed doors
Use of call points or alarm panels, if needed

Emergency Lighting and Fire Signs

We check if tenants could still see to escape during a power outage:

Is emergency lighting fitted where needed
Does it work and cover main escape areas
Are fire exit signs clear and easy to follow

Tenant Behavior and House Rules

Good fire safety depends on what people do each day:

Are house rules in place around fire risk behavior
Are escape routes kept clear
Are alarms tested and logged
Do tenants know what to do in an emergency

When we finish, you get a plain-English report that lists any risks and what you should fix first. No confusing jargon—just clear next steps.

Fire Doors, Compartment Checks, and Fire Spread

We check how well the building holds back fire and smoke:

Condition of fire doors and self-closing devices
Gaps in protection between floors, escape routes, and key areas
Signs of damage, shortcuts, or fixes that no longer meet standards

Kitchen and Equipment Checks

Most fires in HMOs start in the kitchen—so we focus there:

Are fire blankets or extinguishers in the right places
Is there space for safe cooking without overcrowding
Are gas hobs or appliances in good condition
How rubbish, oil, or flammable items are stored

Our Straightforward 5-Step Process

We’ve made our process simple. Whether you manage one house or a large portfolio, we aim to make it easier to stay compliant.

1) Quick Call to Gather Details

We begin with a short, focused call. We ask about layout, number of tenants, licence status, and any letters or concerns from your council.

2) On-Site HMO Inspection

We agree a visit date and time. We walk the property, check escape routes, fire alarms, doors, kitchens, and records where needed. We keep disruption low and work around your tenants.

3) Review and Legal Check

After your visit, we check your property against fire safety laws and HMO guidance. We highlight all gaps or problems that might affect your licence or risk fines.

4) Easy-to-Follow Report

You receive a written fire risk assessment with photos, risk ratings, and steps to move forward. Each action has a level of urgency and tips to carry it out.

5) Ongoing Help If Needed

We follow up with a phone call to walk through the report. If you need help planning changes or explaining things to others, we’re happy to support.

HMO Fire Safety and the Law

There’s no single set of HMO fire safety rules. Instead, you must follow several building, housing, and fire safety laws. It can be hard to keep track, especially if you manage more than one property.

Our reports support your duties under:

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Housing Act 2004 and Housing Health and Safety Rating System
Any HMO licence conditions from your local council
Other national guides like LACORS for fire safety

We shape each HMO fire risk assessment with these codes in mind to help you avoid surprise notices or failed inspections.

Why Work With Embershield?

Fire safety isn’t just a legal box to tick. It protects people’s lives, your property, and your income. We know the pressure landlords face from every side. At Embershield, we bring good planning, clear advice, and realistic steps that won’t break your routine or budget.

We provide:

Fire safety support backed by years of housing experience
Risk assessments that fit both small HMOs and large portfolios
Plain reports that councils, banks, and tenants can understand
Regional cover for landlords who manage homes across different towns
Sharp insight into changes in law affecting your HMO obligations

HMO Fire Risk Assessment FAQs

How often should I review my HMO fire risk assessment?

Every year at minimum—or sooner if your tenants change, layout changes, or you’ve had a fire or near-miss. Some councils expect more often for larger HMOs.

Do I need an assessment for each property?

Yes. Each HMO is shaped by its layout, tenant mix, and use. You need a separate inspection and report for every home you manage.

Will this help with my licence?

Yes. A current and detailed HMO fire risk assessment is often part of the licence check. We set you up with the report you need to support your application or renewal.

Do I need to tell tenants ahead of time?

Yes. Provide them with 24 hours’ written notice. We can help with the wording and work to keep the visit smooth for everyone.

What if there are serious risks?

We flag those in both the report and during the call. We explain them clearly and help you figure out next steps. You stay in control.

Secure Your HMO Today—Don’t Wait

Fire safety should never be left for later. The longer you delay, the more you risk licence issues, fines, or worse. Let us help you stay on track and meet your legal duties—with no shortcuts and no stress.

Whether you need a fire risk assessment for a single shared home or manage a multi-property portfolio, we’re ready today. Request your HMO Fire Risk Assessment now and get peace of mind that your properties meet the standards that matter. Don’t wait for a warning letter—stay ahead and stay protected.

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.

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