Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person has a legal duty to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment to ensure the safety of all relevant persons within a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Relevant persons include tenants, visitors, contractors, and any employees who may be affected by a fire. In HMO settings, where multiple occupants live independently within a shared building, the risk profile is often higher, making robust fire risk assessment and management essential.

Hielaman are best placed to support landlords and managing agents in meeting their fire safety obligations, providing clear, practical, and proportionate advice tailored to the specific risks associated with HMOs. We understand the challenges faced by property owners, including varying tenant behaviour, high turnover of occupants, shared facilities, and differing building layouts. Our approach focuses on delivering straightforward guidance that supports legal compliance while remaining practical and achievable.

Our comprehensive HMO fire risk assessments are essential for complying with fire safety legislation and meeting local authority and housing enforcement expectations. Each assessment is carried out by a competent fire risk assessor with experience in residential and multi-occupied buildings. We assess the condition, layout, and use of the property, ensuring that fire hazards are properly identified and that existing control measures are suitable and effective.
 
During the assessment, we review all key fire safety provisions, including means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire doors, and signage. We pay particular attention to the condition and performance of compartmentation, as effective fire separation is critical in limiting fire spread and protecting escape routes within HMOs. Communal areas, kitchens, plant rooms, storage spaces, and any higher-risk locations are carefully evaluated to ensure appropriate controls are in place.
 
Management arrangements form a vital part of any HMO fire risk assessment. We assess fire safety management procedures, including maintenance and testing regimes, record keeping, emergency planning, and tenant information. Where relevant, we also consider how fire safety responsibilities are communicated to occupants and how risks arising from tenant activities are managed. This ensures that fire safety measures are not only installed but are effectively maintained and managed over time.
 
We work closely with landlords, managing agents, and property professionals to improve overall building fire safety. Our reports are clear, structured, and easy to follow, identifying areas of non-compliance and providing prioritised recommendations to reduce risk. Actions are graded to help you understand what is urgent, what can be planned, and what requires ongoing monitoring, supporting informed decision-making and effective budgeting.
 
Hielaman’s fire risk assessment reports are designed to support inspections by local authorities, housing officers, and fire and rescue services. By addressing both physical fire precautions and management controls, we help ensure your HMO meets regulatory expectations and provides a safe living environment for residents.
 
By choosing Hielaman, you gain a reliable fire safety partner with your property and tenants in mind. Our aim is to help you meet your legal duties with confidence, reduce enforcement risk, and demonstrate a clear commitment to resident safety. Through professional assessments and practical advice, we support you in maintaining safe, compliant, and well-managed HMO properties.