Housing Act Guide: HMO Management Regulations And Fire Safety

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When do the Management Regulations apply and what are they?

The Management Regulations apply to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) of whatever type (not just HMOs which require a licence).  They, therefore, apply to the smallest HMOs as well as the largest.  They lay down detailed regulations which must be followed by landlords relating to the day to day management of HMOs.  There is further guidance as to What is an HMO.  To identify whether a property is an HMO use our Unique Property Selector.

What must the landlord do under the Regulations about fire safety?

To ensure fire safety in an HMO the landlord must:-

1. Ensure that all means of escape from fire are kept free from obstruction.
2. Ensure that all means of escape from fire are maintained in good order and repair.
3. Ensure that any fire fighting equipment is maintained in good working order.
4. Ensure that any fire alarms are maintained in good working order.
5. Ensure that notices indicating the location of means of escape from fire are displayed where they can clearly be seen.  This does not apply if the HMO has four or fewer occupiers.
6. Make sure that any part of the HMO which is not in use (including any passage or staircase giving access to it) is kept reasonably clear and free from refuse and litter.  Accumulations of rubbish can, of course, increase the risk of fires starting or spreading.

Do the occupiers have any responsibilities under the Regulations?

There is a specific duty of occupiers to comply with the reasonable instructions of the manager in respect of any  means of escape from fire, the prevention of fire and the fire equipment. 

What does the landlord do about testing a fire alarm system?

The Management Regulations state that you must keep any fire alarm system  in an HMO in good working order.  You should make sure that the system is visually checked/tested weekly.  You needed to have the alarm system tested by a competent electrician at least every year. The LACORS guidance contains further information about testing. For further information click here

What happens if the landlord breaks the Management Regulations?

If a landlord fails to comply with the Management Regulations it is a criminal offence.  If convicted there is a maximum fine of £5,000.  If the landlord is a HMO licence holder it could also lead to the HMO licence being revoked.

What else do the Management Regulations say?

This is only a summary of the provisions of the Management Regulations specifically relating to fire safety.  There are other provisions which could also impact on fire safety (e.g. the need to have the electrical installation checked by an electrician every five years).  The RLA has published details of all the other obligations under Management Regulations.

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Housing Act Guide: HMO Management Regulations And Fire Safety