{"id":2318,"date":"2024-05-09T13:37:57","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T13:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.safelincs.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2318"},"modified":"2025-09-10T10:52:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T10:52:09","slug":"do-landlords-have-to-provide-fire-extinguishers-in-hmos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.safelincs.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/05\/09\/do-landlords-have-to-provide-fire-extinguishers-in-hmos\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Landlords Have to Provide Fire Extinguishers in HMOs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"
More than half of UK housefires start in the kitchen <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

HMO\u2019s (\u2018homes of multiple occupancy\u2019) are rented properties with shared communal spaces, like kitchens and bathrooms, where the tenants lease independently. A common example of this is student housing, while HMOs are often habituated by recent graduates, and other young people. Shared communal spaces often have neglected responsibility for safety and general housekeeping, meaning that the risk of fires in HMOs is raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Responsible Person for the building has a duty to maintain and promote fire safety in rental properties. This includes installing the right fire detection systems<\/a>, educating tenants on fire safety, and maintaining fire doors. In the event of a fire, domestic firefighting equipment can be a lifeline for tenants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should landlords provide fire extinguishers in HMOs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At least one suitable fire extinguisher must be provided<\/a> in every kitchen of a large HMO (more than 5 tenants). Water Mist<\/a> extinguishers are ideal for this, as they can be used on solid and liquid combustible fires, as well as small cooking fires. This covers most home fire risks. The landlord, or Responsible Person for the property must ensure that all extinguishers are well maintained. They must also be serviced annually (if applicable), and replaced if used or damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fire extinguishers can be used to aid a tenant in safe escape from a building. They may also be used to tackle small flames before they become out of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In private rentals, landlords are not obliged to provide fire extinguishers, although it is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should landlords provide fire blankets in HMOs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Fire
Fire blankets can prevent small pan fires from spreading out of control <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Landlords must provide one fire blanket<\/a> per kitchen in every HMO, no matter how many tenants are resident. These should be hung on a wall away from the likely source of fire (cooker), regularly checked, and replaced if used or damaged. Fire blankets provide a simple and effective solution to frying pan fires, which cannot be extinguished with water. Accidents in the kitchen which cause fires can be devastating if allowed to spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The provision of fire blankets in private rentals is not mandated. However, more than half of all UK house fires start in the kitchen. Installing a fire blanket protects both the tenant and the property from fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are tenants expected to fight fires?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tenants cannot be expected to put themselves at risk to fight a fire. By providing fire fighting equipment, such as extinguishers and fire blankets, the tenant is provided with the option to tackle a small fire before it spreads, and only if it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a new tenant moves in, they should be provided with guidance about what to do in a fire. This includes instruction on how to use fire-fighting equipment if it has been installed, but only to attempt this if it is safe. More importantly, tenants should be told how to raise the alarm in the event of a fire, and how to safely evacuate the building. This is particularly important in flats and HMOs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Misuse of fire extinguishers in HMOs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Educating tenants on the correct use of the extinguishers installed in HMOs is essential; getting this wrong can be fatal. Where more than one type of fire extinguisher is installed to cover different fire risks, there is a risk of the wrong type being used. This can be incredibly dangerous, not only because the extinguisher will not work, but because it could make the fire worse, and spread the flames. The only way to avoid this is to install one type of extinguisher. However, this extinguisher must be suitable for all present fire risks. A Water Mist<\/a> extinguisher is therefore a good example of a versatile extinguisher that provides good all round coverage for most common risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also, of course, a risk of vandalism to and with fire extinguishers in HMOs. This could involve damage to the extinguisher, or unnecessary deployment of the extinguisher. The best way to avoid this is educating residents on the importance of extinguishers for fighting fires. This is particularly important as if there are repeated incidents of vandalism, the risk assessment may find the risk of this to outweigh the risk of fire. In this case, extinguishers would need to be removed, meaning that they would not be available in a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing Water Mist extinguishers overcomes some of the dangers associated with accidental or unnecessary deployment. These units contain only deionised water, which is non-toxic, and will not cause damage to furniture or property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can landlords prevent the spread of fires?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Fire
Fire doors slow the spread of smoke and flames <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fire fighting is a last resort in stopping the spread of fires. Tenants and the properties they live in must be primarily protected by preventative measures. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n