LE6 · Groby
HMO Fire Risk Assessment
in Groby
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
- £150 – £400 per property
Guide price only. The firm we pass your enquiry to sets its own price once it knows the building.
For landlords and property managers in Groby, so that the safety of your tenants in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a legal and moral obligation. A crucial part of this is a thorough HMO fire risk assessment in Groby. This assessment identifies potential fire hazards and outlines necessary safety measures to protect occupants. Groby, a large village characterised by its local parade, schools, and modern estate housing near the motorway in the LE6 postcode district, contains various types of properties that may fall under HMO regulations. These often include converted family homes or purpose-built shared residences. Any property rented out to multiple households who share facilities typically requires this assessment. It is a fundamental step in preventing fires and so that a safe living environment for all residents. A HMO fire risk assessment in Groby typically costs £150 to £400 per property, though the exact figure will depend on the specific characteristics of the building. The precise quote will be provided by the local firm we put you in touch with.
What the Fire Risk Assessment Covers
The scope of a fire risk assessment for an HMO in Groby is comprehensive, examining various aspects of the property to identify fire risks and recommend appropriate controls. The price of an assessment can vary based on several factors, including the number of storeys and bedrooms within the property. Whether the property is licensed by the local authority or is mandatory-licensable also influences the assessment's complexity. The existing alarm grade and coverage are evaluated, as is the condition of fire doors, particularly those to bedrooms and along the escape route. The assessment also considers the property's layout, distinguishing between a shared house where facilities are communal and properties converted into fully self-contained flats. The assessor will assess fire detection and warning systems, means of escape, emergency lighting, fire compartmentation, and the management procedures for fire safety.
How the Enquiry Works
- You send us the details of your property requiring an HMO fire risk assessment in Groby.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm operating in the Groby area.
- That firm will contact you directly to discuss your requirements and provide a quote for their services.
- You then deal directly with the chosen firm to arrange and carry out the fire risk assessment. We are an enquiry service and do not perform the assessment ourselves.
The Legal Position on HMO Fire Safety
The legal framework for fire safety in HMOs is robust. The primary legislation governing fire safety in common parts of all non-domestic premises, including HMOs, is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This order places a clear duty on the responsible person, typically the landlord or manager, to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement any necessary fire safety measures. Beyond this, the Housing Act 2004, enforced by the local housing authority, also plays a significant role, particularly through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This system assesses 29 hazards, including fire, and can lead to enforcement action if properties are deemed unsafe. Further guidance is provided by the LACORS national fire safety guidance for existing housing, which offers practical advice on meeting fire safety obligations. Technical standards for fire alarm systems are often guided by BS 5839-6, with Grade D LD2 commonly recommended for shared houses.
In plain English, an HMO landlord or manager must hold a current fire risk assessment for their property. This is not just a recommendation; it is a legal requirement. For properties subject to mandatory HMO licensing, having a valid fire risk assessment is a condition of the licence. Councils have powers to serve improvement notices or, in severe cases, prohibition notices if fire safety standards are not met, preventing the property from being occupied. Penalties for non-compliance can be significant, including unlimited fines and banning orders that prevent individuals from letting property. It is crucial that the fire risk assessment is carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge and experience. This page provides general information and is not intended as specific advice for any particular building. Enforcement of fire safety regulations in Groby sits with the local fire and rescue service or the local authority as appropriate.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
Does my HMO need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you are the landlord or manager of an HMO in Groby, you have a legal duty to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out for the property. This applies to all HMOs, regardless of whether they are subject to mandatory licensing. It is a fundamental requirement under fire safety legislation to protect your tenants.
What alarm grade does an HMO need?
The required fire alarm grade for an HMO depends on various factors, including the property's size, layout, and whether it is licensed. However, for many shared houses, BS 5839-6 recommends a Grade D LD2 system. The fire risk assessment will specify the appropriate grade and coverage for your particular property.
Do bedroom doors have to be fire doors?
In many HMOs, particularly those with shared escape routes, bedroom doors are required to be fire doors. This is to provide a protected escape route for other occupants if a fire starts in a bedroom. The fire risk assessment will determine if fire doors are necessary and to what standard.
How often does a licensed HMO need one?
While there isn't a strict legal frequency for reviewing a fire risk assessment, it should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to the property or its occupancy. For licensed HMOs, it is good practice to review it at least annually and certainly before the licence renewal.
What does the council actually check?
When inspecting an HMO, the council, acting as the local housing authority, will check for compliance with fire safety regulations under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. They will specifically look for evidence of a current and suitable fire risk assessment, adequate fire detection, means of escape, and other fire precautions.
What is the typical cost for an HMO fire risk assessment?
A HMO fire risk assessment in Groby typically costs £150 to £400 per property. This price can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the property, including the number of storeys and bedrooms. The exact quote will be provided by the local firm we connect you with.
Are you the company that will carry out the assessment?
No, Leicester Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service. We do not carry out fire risk assessments ourselves. Our role is to connect landlords and property managers in Groby with local, competent fire safety firms who can perform the assessment for your HMO.
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.