LE13 · Melton Mowbray
HMO Fire Risk Assessment
in Melton Mowbray
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.
Managing a multi-occupied property requires a specific approach to safety, particularly in a market town with a listed high street, a livestock market, hotels and substantial food manufacturing premises. If you are a landlord or agent responsible for such a property, obtaining a professional HMO fire risk assessment in Melton Mowbray is a necessary step in meeting your legal obligations. The town contains a variety of housing stock, ranging from converted Victorian terraces to modern developments, particularly within the LE13 postcode district. These premises typically require an assessment because the increased density of occupation and the presence of multiple households sharing facilities significantly elevate the risk of fire and the complexity of escape. Whether the building is a small shared house or a large complex of bedsits, the duty holder must ensure a competent person evaluates the risks. A HMO fire risk assessment in Melton Mowbray typically costs £150 to £400 per property, though the final figure depends entirely on the specific building and its complexities. The firm we pass your enquiry to will provide a definitive quote based on your property details.
What is covered in a fire risk assessment
The assessor who contacts you will conduct a thorough physical inspection of the premises to identify potential hazards and evaluate the existing safety measures. The scope of this work and the eventual cost are influenced by several factors. The number of storeys and bedrooms is a primary consideration, as larger buildings naturally take longer to survey. The assessor will also check whether the property is currently licensed or falls under mandatory-licensable criteria, as this often dictates more stringent requirements from the local authority.
A significant part of the inspection focuses on the existing alarm grade and the extent of its coverage. The assessor will examine the condition of fire doors to bedrooms and those protecting the escape route, so that they meet the required standards for fire resistance and self-closing functionality. They will also consider the specific layout of the property, noting whether it functions as a shared house with a communal kitchen or as a series of fully self-contained flats, as the risk profile for these two types of occupation differs significantly. The final report will provide a list of prioritised actions to help you maintain a safe environment for your tenants.
How the enquiry works
Leicester Fire Risk Assessment operates as a dedicated enquiry service to help you find a local provider. The process is straightforward:
- You send the details of your property to us via our enquiry form.
- We pass those details to a local fire safety firm that covers the Melton Mowbray area.
- That firm contacts you directly to provide a quote and discuss their availability.
- You deal with the company directly to book the work and receive your report.
Please note that we are not the ones doing the work. We do not attend your site, and we do not carry out the assessments ourselves. Our role is solely to facilitate the connection between you and a competent local firm.
The legal position for HMO landlords
The primary legislation governing fire safety in multi-occupied properties is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This order applies to the common parts of an HMO, such as hallways, stairwells, and shared kitchens. Under this law, the ‘Responsible Person’—usually the landlord or managing agent—has a statutory duty to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out and regularly reviewed. Failure to comply with this order is a criminal offence.
In addition to the Fire Safety Order, the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) apply to the entirety of the dwelling. These are enforced by the local housing authority. To assist landlords in meeting these overlapping requirements, the LACORS national fire safety guidance for existing housing is used as the standard benchmark. Furthermore, fire detection systems are normally assessed against BS 5839-6; for a standard shared house, this is commonly a Grade D LD2 system, though requirements can vary based on the building's risk profile.
An HMO landlord or manager must hold a current fire risk assessment to remain compliant. Mandatory HMO licensing conditions specifically require this document, and the local council has the power to serve improvement or prohibition notices if the property is found to be unsafe. Enforcement in Melton Mowbray sits with the local fire and rescue service or the local authority as appropriate. The penalties for non-compliance are severe and can include unlimited fines and banning orders that prevent a landlord from operating. It is essential that the assessment is carried out by a competent person who understands these specific standards. Please be aware that this page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on a specific building.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
Does my HMO need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you manage a house in multiple occupation, you are legally required to have a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This applies regardless of whether the property requires a mandatory licence from the council. The assessment ensures that the common parts are safe and that there is a clear plan for detection and evacuation for all tenants living in the building.
What alarm grade does an HMO need?
The required alarm grade depends on the size and layout of the property. For most standard shared houses, the LACORS guidance and BS 5839-6 typically recommend a Grade D LD2 system, which involves mains-powered, interlinked smoke and heat detectors. However, larger or more complex buildings may require a Grade A panel-controlled system. The company we put you in touch with will be able to advise on the specific requirements for your property.
Do bedroom doors have to be fire doors?
In most HMOs, bedroom doors must be fire-resisting doors, typically rated to FD30S standard, meaning they provide 30 minutes of fire resistance and have smoke seals. These doors must also be fitted with self-closing devices to ensure they shut automatically. This creates a protected escape route for tenants. The assessor will check the condition of these doors and their frames to ensure they are fit for purpose during their site visit.
How often does a licensed HMO need one?
While the law states that a fire risk assessment must be 'regularly reviewed', most local authorities and fire services recommend a full review annually, or whenever there is a significant change to the building or the way it is occupied. For a licensed HMO, the local council may specify the frequency of these reviews as a condition of your licence. Keeping the document up to date is essential for demonstrating ongoing compliance.
What does the council actually check?
When the local authority inspects an HMO, they look for evidence that the landlord is managing fire risks effectively. They will ask to see your current fire risk assessment and check that any remedial actions identified in the report have been completed. They also check the physical state of fire doors, the functionality of the alarm system, and the presence of clear escape routes. Failure to provide a valid assessment can lead to enforcement action.
How much will the assessment cost?
A HMO fire risk assessment in Melton Mowbray typically costs £150 to £400 per property. This range accounts for the difference between a small three-bedroom shared house and a larger multi-storey building with more complex requirements. The final price is determined by the local firm that we pass your enquiry to, and they will provide you with a specific quote after reviewing the details of your premises.
Who carries out the site visit?
The site visit is carried out by a professional from a local fire safety firm. It is important to remember that Leicester Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service rather than the assessor. We do not attend your property or write the reports ourselves. Instead, we connect you with competent local providers who have the expertise to evaluate your building and provide the necessary legal documentation.
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.