Houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) can be fantastic assets for landlords. They also fill an important gap in the housing market, appealing to students, young professionals and other demographics. However, due to the nature of the properties, it is vital to think about fire safety. There are rules and regulations in place to save lives. We want to have a closer look at the topic here. Then, if you need to arrange fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough, we can work with you.
The requirements
There are fire safety requirements for all kinds of rental properties, including housing, offices, retail space, and more. This includes rules about fire and smoke alarms, extinguishers, and fire doors. Therefore, it is essential that owners, building managers, and responsible people understand them.
However, HMOs have stricter requirements. There are a number of key things landlords or managing agents must do here. This includes assessing the property and providing information/guidance. There are management regulations too, setting out exactly how responsible people should manage the properties.
A crucial thing to remember is the legal obligation to do a formal FRA. This should assess the property for risks, including public areas as well as private rooms. The evidence from the assessment informs the landlord about what steps to take to protect inhabitants. We can help with this vital requirement, providing fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough and other parts of Teesside.
Safety information to provide
One of the most important things landlords and agents must do is make sure fire safety information is available. It should be visible within the HMO itself. Additionally, all tenants should get a copy, preferably at the start of their tenancy.
There are a few key pieces of information it is essential to provide with HMOs. First is the strategy if there is a fire. Do residents stay put or evacuate? If evacuation, it is essential that there are clear instructions such as which route to take and exit door to use. Additionally, it is important to give info of how to report fires and other problems in the property.
Managing HMOs
The regulations for HMO management are very clear. They state exactly what is required. For example, there is an obligation to make sure escape routes are free of obstructions. All fire fighting equipment and alarms must be in good working order. Any fire notices should be visible and easy to read.
Do you need to arrange fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough?
As you can see, HMO owners have a lot to think about. They must comply with regulations or face serious consequence like fines and being unable to own rental properties. It’s a good idea to check the rules and regulations. The NRLA has some fantastic resources to view here, so we recommend you check them.
If you need to book fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough and want support from competent experts, you can rely on us. ABC Fire Safety & Security provides exceptional services for different properties. We ensure FRAs include comprehensive checks of accessible parts of the property. We’ll clearly report our findings and provide recommendations. Then, we can provide additional help if you need things like alarm installation and fire extinguishers.
So, contact us if you need advice or reliable services.
