Fire Risk Assessments for HMOs in Sussex

Why HMOs need special attention

Shared houses have more people, more cooking, more electrical items and more sleeping residents than a typical home, often with doors left open and shared hallways used for storage. HMOs are regulated by two sets of rules: the Fire Safety Order for the shared parts, enforced by the fire and rescue service, and housing law, enforced by the council.

What the law requires

The shared areas of an HMO, such as hallways, stairs and landings, are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, so the responsible person must have a suitable and sufficient written fire risk assessment. The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 also require the manager to keep escape routes clear and fire safety measures in good order. HMOs with five or more people forming two or more households need a mandatory licence, and many councils have additional licensing schemes.

Understanding both regimes

Simon has worked in local authority enforcement, so he knows how councils assess HMO fire safety, including the widely used LACORS guidance, as well as what fire inspectors look for. Your assessment will be proportionate, practical and aligned with both.

What we check

Fire alarm and detection system type and coverage
Fire doors to bedrooms and kitchens, including self-closers
Protection of the escape route through hallways and stairs
Kitchen safety and cooking arrangements
Electrical safety, overloaded sockets and charging of e-bikes and scooters
Storage and rubbish in shared areas
Emergency lighting where needed
Fire safety information for tenants

Why choose RockSure

Led by Simon Fuller, a qualified lawyer bringing extensive enforcement and compliance experience, including property management, health and safety, and fire safety
Approachable, helpful and practical: we take the stress out of the process
Member of the Fire Protection Association (qualified to Level 3)
Independent: we don't sell fire extinguishers, alarms or remedial works, so our recommendations aren't tied to selling you equipment
Fixed prices from £185, with no hidden extras
Reports typically ready within 3 days
Plain-English action plans that put the most important things first

Where we work

Brighton Hove Eastbourne Lewes Hastings Crawley Horsham Chichester Haywards Heath Burgess Hill East Grinstead Hassocks Bognor Regis Arundel

Common questions

Does every HMO need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. The shared parts of any HMO are covered by the Fire Safety Order, so a written fire risk assessment is needed, whether or not the property is licensed.

Will my fire risk assessment help with my HMO licence?

Yes. Councils look closely at fire safety when licensing HMOs. A current written assessment with a clear action plan shows you're managing the risks properly.

How often should an HMO fire risk assessment be reviewed?

We recommend at least once a year, and whenever there's a change of layout, a change in the type of tenants, or building work.

Fire risk assessments for HMOs