Fire Risk Assessment for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in Brighton: What You Need to Know and How to Book
Fire Risk Assessment for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in Brighton — Your Legal Duties Under the RRO 2005 Running a hmos (houses in multiple occupation) in Brighton places you under the responsible person duties of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You must complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. In Brighton and the surrounding area, your local fire and rescue service inspects non-domestic premises and issues enforcement notices where assessments are missing or out of date.
Who Is the Responsible Person?
For a hmos (houses in multiple occupation), the responsible person is normally the owner, landlord, or managing agent. Where a premises is leased to a management company, that company usually carries the duty. The responsible person cannot delegate the legal obligation, even if a third-party contractor carries out the assessment.
What an Assessment Must Cover
A competent fire risk assessment for a hmos (houses in multiple occupation) should specifically address:
- Fire hazards — ignition sources common in the trade (chemicals, electrical equipment, heating systems)
- People at risk — staff, customers, and anyone nearby who may need assistance to evacuate
- Escape routes — are they protected, clearly signed, and kept clear?
- Fire detection and warning — appropriate systems for the premises size
- Fire-fighting equipment — extinguishers, sprinklers, and fire blankets where relevant
Record Keeping
Under Article 9, significant findings must be recorded in writing if you employ five or more people, are licensed, or occupy higher-risk premises. A written record protects both the responsible person and anyone using the premises.
How HawkSwift Supports You
HawkSwift carries out RRO 2005 and PAS 79 compliant assessments for hmos (houses in multiple occupation) premises across England & Wales from £849 + VAT, with the report delivered within 48 hours. Our assessors know the local building stock and enforcement expectations.