LE2 · Clarendon Park
HMO Fire Risk Assessment
in Clarendon Park
An HMO landlord or manager is a Responsible Person for the common parts and must ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out and kept under review. Local authorities commonly attach conditions to an HMO licence that require one, and can serve improvement or prohibition notices under the Housing Act 2004. Penalties include unlimited fines, and banning orders are available under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.
Duty summary
England & Wales
- Duty
- HMO Fire Risk Assessment
- Instrument
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which covers the common parts of an HMO
- Also
- Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, enforced by the local housing authority
- Standard
- LACORS national fire safety guidance for existing housing, which for a typical shared house points to a Grade D LD2 system described in BS 5839-6
- Frequency
- Reviewed regularly; licence conditions commonly expect an annual review
- Carried out by
- A competent person
- Enforced by
- Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (common parts) and the local housing authority (the dwellings)
- Guide price
- £160 – £420 per property
Guide price only. The firm we pass your enquiry to sets its own price once it knows the building.
Managing a multi-occupied property requires a clear understanding of safety obligations, particularly regarding an HMO fire risk assessment in Clarendon Park. This area of Leicester, characterized by its dense Victorian terraces surrounding the Queens Road independent high street, presents specific challenges for fire safety. The local landscape is defined by a mix of cafes, salons, and small offices situated above shops, alongside a long-standing student and young-professional letting market. These older buildings, often converted from large family homes into multiple units, fall within the LE2 postcode district and require formal assessments to ensure the safety of tenants and the protection of the structure. Whether the property is a converted terrace housing students or a commercial unit with residential accommodation above, the duty holder must ensure a competent person evaluates the risks. A HMO fire risk assessment in Clarendon Park typically costs £160 to £420 per property, though the exact figure depends on the specific building and its complexity. The final quote is provided directly by the local firm we put you in touch with, as Leicester Fire Risk Assessment functions as an enquiry service rather than a contractor.
What the assessment covers
The fire risk assessment is a comprehensive review of the building's managed areas and safety provisions. The assessor who contacts you will evaluate several factors that influence both the scope of the work and the final cost. A primary consideration is the scale of the property, including the number of storeys and the total number of bedrooms. The firm will also look at whether the property is currently licensed or falls under mandatory licensing requirements, as this often dictates specific safety standards.
The technical evaluation includes checking the existing fire alarm grade and its coverage throughout the building. The condition of fire doors is a critical element, specifically those protecting the escape route and individual bedrooms, so that they meet the required fire-resistance periods and are fitted with correct hardware. The assessor will also consider the building's layout, noting whether it functions as a shared house with communal facilities or consists of fully self-contained flats, as the risk profile and required mitigation measures differ significantly between these two arrangements.
How the enquiry works
Leicester Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service designed to simplify the process of finding a local professional. We are not the ones doing the work, nor do we attend your property. The process follows four straightforward steps:
- You submit your property details through our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm covering the Leicester area.
- That firm contacts you directly to provide a quote and discuss their availability.
- You deal with the firm directly to arrange the assessment and handle payment.
The legal position for HMO landlords
Fire safety in multi-occupied properties is governed by several pieces of legislation and national guidance. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary piece of legislation, covering the common parts of an HMO. Additionally, the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) provide the framework for safety standards in residential settings, which are enforced by the local housing authority. For existing residential buildings, the LACORS national fire safety guidance is the standard reference point used by professionals to determine if a property is safe.
Technical standards for fire detection are generally assessed against BS 5839-6. In a typical shared house in Clarendon Park, this commonly results in a recommendation for a Grade D LD2 system, though this varies based on the specific risk. In plain English, an HMO landlord or manager is legally required to hold a current fire risk assessment. This is not optional; mandatory HMO licensing conditions require it, and the local council has the power to serve improvement or prohibition notices if the property is deemed unsafe. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, including unlimited fines and banning orders.
The assessment must be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary training and experience. It is important to note that the information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice for a specific building. Enforcement in Clarendon Park is handled by the local fire and rescue service or the local authority, depending on the specific nature of the building and the occupancy type.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
Does my HMO need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you manage a property with shared facilities or multiple tenancies, you are required by law to have one. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the common parts of all multi-occupied residential buildings. This includes the hallways, landings, and stairwells that tenants use to exit the building. Even if your property does not require a mandatory HMO licence, the requirement for a risk assessment still applies to ensure the safety of the occupants.
What alarm grade does an HMO need?
The specific alarm grade depends on the size and layout of the property, but most standard shared houses are expected to meet BS 5839-6 standards. This often translates to a Grade D LD2 system, which involves mains-powered, interlinked smoke detectors in the escape routes and high-risk rooms like kitchens and lounges. The local firm we put you in touch with will evaluate your current system against these standards and advise if upgrades are necessary to meet current safety guidance.
Do bedroom doors have to be fire doors?
In most HMOs, bedroom doors serve as a critical part of the protected escape route. Consequently, they usually need to be fire-resisting doors, typically rated to FD30S standards, which means they provide 30 minutes of fire resistance and include smoke seals. The assessor will check the condition of these doors, so that they are fitted with self-closing devices and that the frames and hinges are adequate. The specific requirements can vary based on the building's overall fire strategy and height.
How often does a licensed HMO need one?
While the law does not specify a fixed expiry date, a fire risk assessment is a live document that must be kept up to date. For a licensed HMO, it is standard practice to review the assessment annually or whenever there is a significant change to the building's layout or occupancy. Local authorities often require a valid, recent assessment as part of the licence renewal process. If a fire occurs and your assessment is outdated, you may be found in breach of your legal duties.
What does the council actually check?
The local housing authority checks for compliance with the Housing Act 2004 and the HHSRS. They look for evidence that fire risks have been identified and mitigated, which is evidenced by your fire risk assessment. They will inspect the condition of fire doors, the functionality of the alarm system, the presence of emergency lighting, and ensure that escape routes are kept clear of obstructions. They may also verify that the person who conducted your assessment was competent to do so.
How much will the assessment cost?
A HMO fire risk assessment in Clarendon Park typically costs £160 to £420 per property. This range accounts for the difference between a standard three-bedroom terrace and a larger multi-storey building converted into several units. The final price is determined by the complexity of the building and the time required to conduct the site visit and produce the report. The specific quote will be provided to you by the local firm that contacts you following your enquiry.
Who carries out the assessment?
The assessment is carried out by a professional fire safety firm. It is important to understand that Leicester Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service and not the assessor. We do not attend your site or carry out the inspections ourselves. Instead, we take your details and pass them to a local firm with experience in the Clarendon Park area. You will then deal with that company directly for the site visit, the final report, and the billing process.
Sources and review
Checked against Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Housing Act 2004, LACORS fire safety guidance and BS 5839-6 on . We recheck this page against the legislation quarterly, and sooner if the law changes. Spotted something wrong? Tell us at enquiries@leicesterfireriskassessment.co.uk and we will correct it.
HMO Fire Risk Assessment nearby
Other duties at the same premises
This page is general information about fire safety law in England and Wales. It is not a fire risk assessment and it is not legal advice. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the Responsible Person must ensure an assessment is carried out by a competent person.