HMO Fire Risk Assessment
in Downend

If you own or manage a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Downend, you will likely need an HMO fire risk assessment in Downend. This applies to many of the properties within Downend, BS16, which is characterised by suburban housing, often converted or adapted to accommodate multiple tenants. These properties, whether terraced, semi-detached or detached, typically require a fire risk assessment to ensure the safety of residents. Even if your property is not a traditional HMO, but perhaps a larger house shared by several individuals, or a premises above a shop in the local shopping centre, professional offices, or dental and care premises, the principles of fire safety still apply. A HMO fire risk assessment in Downend typically costs £160 to £420 per property. This figure is a guide and depends on the specific characteristics of your building. The exact quote will be provided by the local fire safety firm we put you in touch with.

What a fire risk assessment covers and what changes the price

A fire risk assessment for an HMO involves a thorough inspection of the property to identify fire hazards and assess the risks to residents. The assessor will examine the building's structure, layout, fire detection and warning systems, escape routes, fire doors, and fire safety management procedures. Factors that influence the cost of an assessment include the number of storeys and bedrooms within the property, whether the property is licensed or mandatory-licensable, the existing alarm grade and coverage, and the condition of fire doors to bedrooms and along the escape route. The assessment will also consider whether the layout is a shared house or comprises fully self-contained flats, as each presents different fire safety considerations.

How the enquiry works

1. You send us your details and information about your property.
2. We pass your enquiry to a local fire safety firm that serves the Downend area.
3. That firm will contact you directly to discuss your needs and provide a quote for the fire risk assessment.
4. You then deal directly with the chosen firm to arrange and complete the assessment. We are an enquiry service and do not carry out the work ourselves.

The legal position on HMO fire safety

The primary legislation governing fire safety in the common parts of an HMO is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This order places a legal duty on the responsible person, typically the landlord or manager, to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. For HMOs, further requirements are set out in the Housing Act 2004, which includes the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is enforced by the local housing authority and can lead to improvement or prohibition notices if fire safety standards are not met. Additional guidance is provided by the LACORS national fire safety guidance for existing housing, and fire alarm systems are typically designed to BS 58339-6, often specifying Grade D LD2 for a shared house.

An HMO landlord or manager must hold a current fire risk assessment. For properties subject to mandatory HMO licensing, this is a condition of the licence. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action from the local authority or the fire and rescue service, including improvement or prohibition notices, unlimited fines, and even banning orders. It is crucial that the assessment is carried out by a competent person who has sufficient training, experience, and knowledge. This page provides general information and is not specific advice for your individual building. Enforcement in Downend sits with Avon Fire and Rescue Service or South Gloucestershire Council, as appropriate to the specific breach.