HMO Fire Safety Requirements: The Complete Checklist (2026)

Why Fire Safety Matters in HMOs

As the HMO operator, you are the Responsible Person under fire safety law. This means legal liability for every requirement on this page.

Fire doors, alarms, CO detectors and escape routes are non-negotiable. Every item must be in place before any tenant moves in.

Fire Door Requirements

All bedroom doors and the kitchen door must be FD30 fire doors with self-closers, intumescent strips and smoke seals. Door gaps must not exceed 3–4mm all round.

Smoke and Heat Alarms

All alarms must be interlinked Grade D (mains-powered with battery backup). Smoke alarms are required on every floor, in every bedroom, and in the living room. A heat detector (not a smoke alarm) is required in the kitchen. For more detail, see smoke alarm requirements.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

CO alarms are required in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance — gas boiler, gas fire, solid fuel appliance. This has been mandatory since October 2022.

Means of Escape

All communal corridors and stairwells must remain clear at all times. Exit doors must be openable from the inside without a key. Ground and first floor bedroom windows must open to a minimum of 450mm × 450mm.