In any rental property, a landlord has a responsibility to ensure clear and suitable emergency exits are fitted and they are appropriate to the size and number of occupants within a building.
HMO Regulations To Follow
This is particularly paramount in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) which is property is shared by three or more tenants who are not part of the same family. Emergency exit regulation includes the requirement to fit doors in an HMO property that open from the inside without the use of a key. These systems need to be fitted to locked individual bedroom doors and common entrance doors.
HMO regulations were developed to ensure that properties were managed properly and that they meet certain safety standards. These are now a legal requirement in HMO properties. It is also essential in HMO property to fit fire doors with self closers to all bedrooms. While it is vital to have protected escape routes for individually let bedrooms and self-contained flats. In addition, there may be a requirement for multiple escape routes dependant on the size of a property, and maximum emergency travel distances may apply, while clear signage is essential.
HMO Landlord Advice
For advice on HMO policies, it’s best to speak to your Local Authority and your Fire Authority – in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – who will compile a report and schedule of works to be carried out on the property to bring it in line with HMO policies. In addition, Tonyslocksmith will be able to advise on suitable locks, escape routes and fittings such as door closes.
Insurance companies will also stipulate the type of lock to be fitted to doors and windows, so by not adhering to the requirements, landlords could potentially find themselves in breach of contract which could make claiming on insurance difficult if the situation arises.
Landlords – Phone Tony’s Locksmith today for a free no-obligation quote on your HMO property.