HMO Fire Risk Assessment
in Shepshed

Managing a multi-occupied property requires a specific approach to safety, particularly in a town with a varied architectural history. Obtaining a professional HMO fire risk assessment in Shepshed ensures that landlords and managers meet their statutory obligations while protecting their tenants. The building stock in Shepshed reflects its industrial heritage, consisting of a central high street, older terraces remaining from its hosiery manufacturing past, and modern industrial units on the town's edge. Within the LE12 postcode district, these older terraced properties are frequently converted into houses in multiple occupation, which presents unique challenges regarding fire spread and escape routes compared to purpose-built housing. A HMO fire risk assessment in Shepshed typically costs £150 to £400 per property, though this figure depends entirely on the specific building and the quote comes from the firm we pass the enquiry to. Whether you manage a small shared house for three people or a large, licensed property with multiple storeys, the assessment identifies potential hazards and provides a clear action plan. We provide an enquiry service that connects you with a local firm capable of surveying these specific property types to ensure your building remains compliant and safe.

What the assessment covers

The scope of a fire risk assessment for a house in multiple occupation is determined by the complexity and size of the building. The firm we put you in touch with will evaluate the physical structure and the management arrangements in place. Several factors influence the depth of the survey and the final cost, including the number of storeys and the total number of bedrooms. The assessor who contacts you will need to know if the property is currently licensed or falls under mandatory licensing criteria, as this often dictates stricter requirements for fire separation and detection.

The survey includes a detailed look at the existing fire alarm grade and its coverage throughout the building. They will inspect the condition of fire doors leading to individual bedrooms and those protecting the primary escape route, so that they are fitted with correct seals and self-closing devices. The layout is also a significant factor; a shared house where tenants live as a single group has different risk profiles compared to a building divided into fully self-contained flats. The assessor will check for adequate emergency lighting, the presence of fire extinguishers where appropriate, and the clarity of fire safety signage.

How the enquiry works

We operate as a bridge between property owners and fire safety professionals. We are not the ones doing the assessment work ourselves. The process follows four straightforward steps:

1. You send the details of your Shepshed property through our enquiry form.
2. We pass these details to a local fire safety firm that covers the Leicestershire area.
3. That firm contacts you directly to provide a specific quote and discuss their availability.
4. You deal with the firm directly to book the site visit and receive your completed report.

The legal position for HMO landlords

Fire safety in houses in multiple occupation is governed by two primary pieces of legislation. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the common parts of an HMO, such as hallways, landings, and shared kitchens. Under this Order, the ‘Responsible Person’—usually the landlord or managing agent—must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. Additionally, the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) allow the local housing authority to inspect properties for hazards, including fire.

To meet these standards, assessors typically refer to the LACORS national fire safety guidance for existing housing, which provides a framework for what is considered acceptable in various HMO types. For fire detection, work is normally carried out against BS 5839-6; for a standard shared house, this is commonly a Grade D LD2 system, involving mains-powered, interlinked detectors in all circulation areas and high-risk rooms.

An HMO landlord or manager must hold a current fire risk assessment to remain compliant. Mandatory HMO licensing conditions specifically require this document, and failure to produce one can lead to the council serving improvement or prohibition notices. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, including unlimited fines and the potential for banning orders which prevent a landlord from operating. Enforcement in Shepshed sits with the local fire and rescue service for matters relating to the Fire Safety Order, or the local authority for Housing Act matters. It is a legal requirement that the assessment is carried out by a competent person with sufficient training and experience. Please note that this page provides general information for the LE12 area and does not constitute legal advice on a specific building.