If you're a Landlord of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), you may have some serious fire safety responsibilities, as shown by a recent prosecution (see below). This article is intended to provide some simple advice on what to do.
What should you do?
Step 1
First of all, gain a good understanding of the fire safety needs of the premises by conducting a Fire Safety Risk Assessment, or by having one carried out for you.
Step 2
Read the report and carry out the recommendations. Sometimes there are alternatives to the actions presented, but "doing nothing" is not a sensible option. Prioritise the recommendations and make improvements in a sensible manner.
- Fire compartmentation is essential, but can be expensive.
- Fire doors (with smoke seals) are effective at stopping the spread of fire and smoke.
- Keeping escape routes clear of obstructions does not cost much.
- Fire signage is relatively simple and cheap to put right.
- Maintenance of existing systems is simple and effective.
- Determining the actions that should be taken in the event of a fire requires consideration of the premises, the residents, and rescue service policies.
- Providing residents with a fire safety action plan can be an effective way to avoid confusion.
Step 3
Keep the property and the fire safety precautions in a good and serviceable condition. Ensure that the fire detection and fire alarm system and fire fighting equipment and emergency lighting are serviced and maintained.
Step 4
Keep the premises under review. Visit premises at regular intervals and ensure that standards are not deteriorating. Liaise with residents and involve them, particularly if they have a say in how money (such as service charge) is spent.
Step 5
Don't end up in court, like the case below.
Details of a recent prosecution
A landlord has received a suspended sentence following various failures. Following a fire in March 2009 it has been reported that the landlord who owned a house of multiple occupation (or HMO) has received a 6-month suspended prison sentence and been ordered to pay £10,000 in costs. Following the blaze, fire safety investigators found several breaches of Fire Safety Legislation (the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) at the building. These breaches included included not having suitable fire doors installed and not conducting a sufficient fire safety risk assessment.
Steve Turek (the assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation at the London Fire Brigade) commented:
"This verdict sends out a clear message that if landlords ignore fire safety then they will face serious penalties. [The Landlord] was given plenty of time to improve fire safety inside the property but failed to comply. The London Fire Brigade works hard to make companies and individuals understand their responsibilities under fire safety law and only uses prosecution as a last resort."
If you need help with your fire safety risk assessment, please contact us.
