What Type of Buildings Need To comply? - Firelux Holdings Ltd

Home in Multiple Occupation

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are subject to specific legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), which applies to all non-domestic premises, including the communal areas of residential buildings.

A Home in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share common parts i.e. kitchen, bathrooms and other communal areas. HMO’s are usually shared by more than 1 household.

We undertake fire risk assessments for Mandatory, Selective and Additional HMO licensing schemes.

For HMOs, this means the responsible person typically the landlord, managing agent or owner has a legal duty to:

Identify fire hazards within the property
Assess the risk to occupants, especially those who may be more vulnerable
Implement and maintain adequate fire safety measures
Provide clear means of escape and ensure they are kept accessible and in good condition
Maintain fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting and fire-fighting equipment
Keep a written fire risk assessment where required (especially for larger HMOs or where licensing applies)
Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly

Why Compliance Matters

Unlike single-family homes, HMOs often house multiple unrelated occupants, with higher levels of footfall, varied lifestyles and shared facilities all of which increase fire risk. Tenants may be unfamiliar with one another and less likely to coordinate in the event of an emergency, making robust fire precautions essential.

Local authorities and the fire & rescue service treat HMOs as higher-risk premises. Non-compliance can result in:

Prohibition or enforcement notices
Revocation of HMO licences
Fines or unlimited prosecution under the Fire Safety Order
In serious cases, imprisonment
Civil claims in the event of injury or loss

Our Role

At Firelux Holdings, we help HMO landlords and managing agents meet their legal responsibilities through:

PAS 79-compliant fire risk assessments
Practical, cost-effective advice tailored to your building and occupancy
Clear reporting and action plans
Support with ongoing fire safety management and remedial works

Peace of mind for you. Protection for your tenants. Compliance with the law.

Let us help you get it right — first time, every time.

Residential Common Parts

If you own or manage a residential building with shared areas such as hallways, stairwells or entrance lobbies you are legally required to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of the common parts.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and reinforced by the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022, the person responsible for the building (typically the landlord, freeholder or managing agent) must ensure that a suitable and up-to-date fire risk assessment is in place. This assessment helps identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and set out the necessary steps to reduce that risk and protect residents.

Common areas covered include:

Communal entrance halls and corridors
Staircases and landings
Shared cupboards or service risers
Any other internal space used by more than one resident

The law now also requires the assessment to consider external walls (including cladding) and flat entrance doors, as these can impact the safety of escape routes.

Why is this important?
A fire risk assessment:

Helps ensure safe evacuation routes in the event of a fire
Confirms whether fire doors, fire alarms and lighting are adequate and maintained
Reduces the risk of injury, death or legal liability

Non-compliance can result in prosecution, fines or enforcement action. More importantly, it puts lives at risk.

If you’re responsible for a residential building, ensure your fire risk assessment is up to date and reviewed regularly.

Corporate Entities

For businesses employing more than 5 employees, it is a compulsory requirement to execute a fire risk assessment with findings to be documented. In the event of ignition and injury/damage to occupants and premises, underwriters may invalidate your policy if compliance documents are not in place. Our assessors follow PAS 79 methodology determining fire hazards and level of risk outlining if any, preventative measures that will need to be implemented. Complete fire protection measures together with best practice will be recommended in line with protocol.

Places of Worship

All places of worship need to comply with The Fire Safety Order 2005. If you are operating a Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Temple or any other place of worship, a fire risk assessment will have to be carried out. It is imperative that control and preventative measures are in place to reduce the risk to occupants and property. Fire risk assessment will enable a thorough methodical review of the site, robust fire safety management and prevention practice.

Educational Premises

Individuals responsible for educational premises will need to perform fire risk assessments. It is a legal requirement in line with The Fire Safety Order 2005. This will cover general fire precautions and other fire safety duties which are required to protect ‘relevant persons’ in case of fire. Key aspect of fire safety management and prevention will be to identify ignition, fuel and oxygen sources, people at risk and numerous other fire safety elements during survey that will highlight key findings.

Health Care Institutions

We work with a diverse range of health care and related service providers including GP Medical Practices, Dental Surgery’s, Opticians, Care Homes and Supported Living Services to name a few. Fire Risk Assessment protocol is a compulsory requirement for Health Care operations. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 will enable a thorough review of all fire safety elements that are necessary to reduce the risk to occupants and property.

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