LE7 · Syston
HMO Fire Risk Assessment
in Syston
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 town with a varied building stock. If you are a landlord or agent, arranging an HMO fire risk assessment in Syston ensures that your property meets the necessary safety standards for shared living. The town centre high street often features flats located over shops, while the surrounding streets contain many older terraces and larger converted houses. On the outskirts, the presence of industrial and distribution units within the LE7 postcode district further diversifies the local landscape. These property types, particularly older residential buildings converted into bedsits or shared houses, present distinct risks due to their layout and occupancy levels.
A professional assessment identifies potential hazards and outlines the measures required to protect tenants. A HMO fire risk assessment in Syston typically costs £150 to £400 per property, though the final figure depends on the specific size and complexity of the building. The firm we pass your enquiry to will provide a definitive quote based on your requirements. This service is designed to help duty holders find competent local professionals who understand the specific challenges of managing shared housing in Leicestershire.
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 number of storeys and bedrooms, as larger properties inherently carry a higher risk profile. The firm will also check whether the property is currently licensed or falls under mandatory licensing criteria, as this often dictates more stringent safety requirements.
Technical aspects of the building are examined in detail. This includes the existing fire alarm grade and its coverage throughout the property. The condition of fire doors, both to individual bedrooms and along the protected escape route, is a critical part of the inspection. The assessor will also look at the internal layout, distinguishing between a traditional shared house with communal facilities and a building divided into fully self-contained flats. These variables determine the level of protection required and the time needed to complete the documentation.
How the enquiry works
Leicester Fire Risk Assessment operates as a dedicated enquiry service to simplify the process of finding a provider. The process follows these four steps:
- You provide the details of your Syston property through our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm that covers the LE7 area.
- That firm contacts you directly to provide a specific quote and discuss their availability.
- You deal with the firm directly to instruct the work and handle payment.
We are not the ones carrying out the site visit or writing the report. Our role is limited to connecting you with a local professional who can perform the assessment on your behalf.
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 the building, 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.
Assessors typically refer to the LACORS national fire safety guidance, which provides a framework for existing residential accommodation. For shared houses, compliance is often measured against BS 5839-6, where a Grade D LD2 system is a common requirement. It is a legal duty for a landlord or manager to hold a current fire risk assessment. Where mandatory HMO licensing is in place, providing a valid assessment is a condition of the licence. Failure to comply can lead to the local authority serving improvement or prohibition notices. The penalties for non-compliance are significant, including unlimited fines and the potential for banning orders.
Enforcement in Syston is handled by the local fire and rescue service for matters relating to the Fire Safety Order, or the local authority for Housing Act compliance. The assessment must be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary training and experience. Please note that the information on this page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice for a specific building or situation.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
Does my HMO need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you manage a property where three or more tenants from more than one household share facilities, you have a legal obligation to ensure a fire risk assessment is conducted. This applies to the common parts of the building under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It is a fundamental requirement for so that tenant safety and is a key document for licensing applications.
What alarm grade does an HMO need?
The required alarm grade depends on the size and layout of the property. For many standard shared houses, the LACORS guidance and BS 5839-6 often recommend a Grade D LD2 system, which involves mains-powered interlinked detectors in bedrooms and escape routes. However, larger or more complex buildings may require a higher grade of system, such as a Grade A panel-controlled system.
Do bedroom doors have to be fire doors?
In most HMOs, bedroom doors are required to be fire-resisting to protect the escape route. These doors usually need to be FD30S rated, meaning 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 appropriate self-closing devices and that there are no gaps that could allow smoke to bypass the door.
How often does a licensed HMO need one?
While the law does not specify a strict expiry date, the assessment must be 'live' and 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 or the way it is used. Local authorities often request a copy of a recent assessment as part of the periodic licence renewal process.
What does the council actually check?
The local authority checks for hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. They look for adequate fire detection, clear escape routes, appropriate fire doors, and evidence that the landlord is managing fire risks proactively. If the property is licensed, they will verify that all licence conditions relating to fire safety are being met, including the presence of a valid fire risk assessment.
How much will the assessment cost me?
A HMO fire risk assessment in Syston typically costs £150 to £400 per property. This range accounts for the difference between a small three-bedroom terrace and a larger multi-storey building with numerous bedsits. The specific quote you receive will be provided by the local firm we pass your enquiry to, as they will assess the complexity of the building before confirming their fee.
Who carries out the site visit?
The site visit is carried out by a competent professional from a local fire safety firm. Leicester Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service and does not attend your property or perform the assessment ourselves. We facilitate the connection between you and a local provider who has the expertise to evaluate your HMO and produce 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.