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Fire safety blog

Plain-English fire safety for landlords.

The law, licensing, alarms, fire doors and the practical stuff. Written for people who let property, not fire engineers.

HMO

HMO Fire Risk Assessment vs Fire Safety Certificate: What's the Difference?

There is no UK fire safety certificate. HMO landlords need a written fire risk assessment under the RRO 2005. Here's the difference and what councils expect.

6 min read read · 20 June 2026
HMO

HMO Fire Risk Assessment vs Fire Safety Certificate: What's the Difference?

There is no UK fire safety certificate. HMO landlords need a written fire risk assessment under the RRO 2005. Here's the difference and what councils expect.

·2026
HMO

Does My HMO Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes, every HMO needs a written fire risk assessment under the RRO 2005. Find out which HMOs count, why licensing is irrelevant, and what the law now requires.

·2026
HMO

Emergency Lighting in HMOs: What Landlords Are Required to Provide

HMO emergency lighting isn't a one-time install. Learn when it's legally required, what BS 5266-1:2016 demands, and the testing cycle you must document.

·2026
HMO

The Renters' Rights Act 2025: What HMO Landlords Need to Know About Fire Safety

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 raises civil penalties to £40,000 and introduces a landlord database. What it means for HMO fire safety compliance.

·2026
HMO

Fire Escape Routes in HMOs: Legal Requirements & Common Mistakes

HMO escape routes must stay clear at all times under RRO 2005, not just on assessment day. What the law requires and a quarterly check routine.

·2026
HMO

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: What Every HMO Landlord Must Know

The RRO 2005 applies to every HMO with shared communal areas. Here's what it requires, who is responsible, and what fire authorities can do if you don't comply.

·2026
HMO

Can I Complete My Fire Risk Assessment Online? What HMO Landlords Need to Know

Can you complete a fire risk assessment online? Yes — and it's legally valid. Here's what the RRO 2005 requires, what a compliant tool must cover, and how FRASafe works.

·2026
HMO

Smoke Alarms & CO Detectors in HMOs: What the Law Requires

Smoke alarm and CO detector requirements for HMO landlords in England — Grade D1 vs Grade A systems, kitchen heat alarms, CO rules, and the £5,000 penalty for non-compliance.

·2026
HMO

What Happens If You Don't Have a Fire Risk Assessment for Your HMO?

What happens if you don't have a fire risk assessment for your HMO? Unlimited fines, imprisonment, licence revocation, and rent repayment orders — five consequences explained.

·2026
HMO

HMO Fire Door Regulations: Requirements, Compliance & What Landlords Must Know

Everything HMO landlords need to know about fire door regulations: FD30 ratings, self-closers, intumescent strips, gap requirements, and inspection rules.

·2026
HMO

BS 9792:2025 Fire Risk Assessment Types Explained: Which Does Your HMO Need?

BS 9792:2025 defines four types of fire risk assessment for HMOs. Most landlords need Type 1 — here's how to tell which one applies to your property.

·2026
HMO

Can I Do My Own Fire Risk Assessment for an HMO?

Can an HMO landlord do their own fire risk assessment? Yes — the law permits it. Find out what competent means, what must be covered, and how to do it right.

·2026
HMO

How Often Does an HMO Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

The law does not specify an exact interval, but the RRO 2005 requires assessments to be kept up to date. Here's what that means in practice for HMO landlords.

·2025
HMO

Failing Your HMO Fire Risk Assessment Inspection

Councils and fire services can inspect your HMO at any time. Here's what happens if your fire risk assessment is found to be inadequate — and how to protect yourself.

·2025
HMO

HMO Licence Fire Risk Assessment Requirements by Council

A guide to how major UK councils approach fire risk assessment requirements for mandatory, additional, and selective HMO licensing — and what documents they accept.

·2025
HMO

How to Do Your Own HMO Fire Risk Assessment

The RRO 2005 allows a competent person to carry out their own fire risk assessment. Here's what self-assessment involves, and when you should bring in a qualified assessor.

·2025
HMO

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 for HMO Landlords

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced new duties for multi-occupied residential buildings. Here's what applies to HMOs and what landlords must have in place.

·2025
HMO

What Changed in BS 9792:2025 for HMO Landlords

The new British Standard for fire risk assessments came into force in 2025. Here's what changed, why it matters, and what HMO landlords need to do differently.

·2025
HMO

The Complete HMO Fire Risk Assessment Guide 2025

Everything HMO landlords and managers need to know about fire risk assessments — legal requirements, what assessors look for, and how to produce a compliant document.

·2025

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