Shared homes.
Careful consideration.

START WITH THE RIGHT SCOPE

Understand the building
and how people live in it.

HMOs vary in their layout, occupancy and management. Sleeping accommodation brings different considerations from a shop or office, so the assessment must reflect the actual building and the people using it.

Tell us whether it is a shared house, bedsits or a building containing separate flats, together with the number of storeys, occupants and any licensing information. We can then discuss the relevant scope and access.

THE PLACES PEOPLE SHARE

Practical attention
to everyday safety.

The assessment considers relevant shared areas and the fire precautions within the agreed scope. The building’s layout, escape arrangements, doors, detection and management all need to be considered together.

• Shared circulation and escape routes
• Relevant fire doors and existing precautions
• Detection, warning and emergency arrangements
• Information, records and ongoing management

LEGISLATION & LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Keep the requirements
in context.

Fire safety legislation and housing requirements may overlap. Local HMO licensing conditions and the building’s configuration can affect what is needed. An assessment should be considered alongside the relevant conditions and advice from the appropriate authorities.

Some residential duties depend on the type and height of the building. Requirements for high-rise buildings or specified residential evacuation plans should not be assumed to apply to every small HMO. We discuss suitability and specialist needs before accepting an enquiry.

AFTER THE ASSESSMENT

Keep the building’s
fire safety under review.

Changes to occupancy, layout, management or precautions can affect the assessment. Keep records, act on the findings and make sure residents receive relevant information.

If specialist installation or maintenance work is needed, we can help arrange it through specialist contractors. You can also use your chosen providers.