As a landlord, you have a responsibility to those you rent to, to keep your property safe from fire, even if letting through a managing agent under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The types of accommodation this includes is Houses In Multiple Occupation (HIMO) and the communal areas in blocks of flats. Alongside the local authority under the Housing Act 2004, Fire Protection Officers (FPOs) will inspect the common areas and have enforcement powers under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
“It is a landlord’s greatest asset to go the extra mile to make sure of fire safety as this is nothing in comparison to what can happen if a fire destroys your property.”
– Ron, landlord of a property that was damaged by fire but was contained to the room as the newly fitted fire door had stopped the flames and smoke spreading to other areas of the house so only minimal damage was caused.
A fire risk assessment must be carried out and the significant findings recorded. This will be a comprehensive assessment of the fire precautions in place and may identify any additional measures that are required to be carried out. The guides below will further help in assessing the hazards and implementing the fire safety precautions that are required. These guides are intended to be used independently and not in conjunction with one another.
- Example fire risk assessment for HIMOs (PDF 124KB)
- Home Stamp – A guide to Fire and Security Protection in multi-occupied residential properties
- Decent And Safe Homes (DASH) East Midlands, fire safety plans for HIMOs and other dwellings (PDF 21MB)
- LACoRs – guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing
- Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats
- Fire safety in flats
- Fire safety in shared or rented accommodation
- Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service premises safety checklist (PDF 2MB)