hmo-fire-risk-assessment-duties-explained-for-landlords

--- title: compliance, and the specific risks associated with multi-occupied housing. Using a professional ensures the assessment is thorough, defensible, and aligned with current guidance.

How Often Should an HMOs-guide) fire risk assessment Be Reviewed?

There is no fixed statutory interval for reviewing a fire risk assessment, but best practice and government guidance suggest reviewing it regularly. A review is necessary when:

• There is a change in the layout or use of the property.
• The number of occupants changes significantly.
• fire safety equipment is upgraded or replaced.
• There has been a fire or near-miss incident.
• New legislation or guidance is introduced.

Even if none of these occur, a periodic review—typically annually—helps ensure the assessment remains valid and the property stays safe.

Keeping Tenants Safe and Staying Compliant

fire safety in an HMOs-guide) is not a one-off task. It requires ongoing attention, clear communication with tenants, and accurate record-keeping. By understanding and fulfilling your HMO fire risk assessment duties, you protect both your tenants and your investment.

If you need support with your HMO fire safety obligations, HawkSwift Ltd provides professional fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, carried out by NEBOSH-qualified assessors with reports delivered within 48 hours. To get started, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

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Your duties under the RRO 2005 for landlords

• If you rent to 3+ unrelated tenants sharing facilities, the property is an HMO and you are the Responsible Person (Art. 3 & 9, RRO 2005).
• You must hold a current written fire risk assessment and keep it up to date (Art. 9).
• Common parts of multi-occupied buildings are your duty; you must maintain fire doors, alarms and escape routes (Art. 17).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.

*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*

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What a competent fire risk assessment covers

A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology:

• Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments.
• Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas.
• Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance.
• Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate.
• Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date.

HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice.