What is the Fire Safety Order?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility for fire safety on the "responsible person," typically the landlord or managing agent. This includes conducting fire risk assessments and implementing appropriate safety measures.

For HMO landlords, fire safety compliance is critical and includes installing appropriate fire detection systems, ensuring adequate escape routes, providing fire safety information to tenants, and maintaining fire safety equipment.

Non-compliance with fire safety requirements can result in prosecution, significant fines, and in severe cases, imprisonment. Regular fire risk assessments and maintenance of fire safety equipment are essential for ongoing compliance.