🏠 What Is an HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented by 3 or more tenants from 2 or more different households who share facilities like bathrooms or kitchens.
HMOs face stricter regulations than standard buy-to-let properties. Failure to comply can result in:
- Fines of up to £30,000
- Prosecution and criminal record
- Rent repayment orders
- Licence revocation
📋 HMO Mandatory Certificates Checklist
| Certificate | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HMO Licence | Every 5 years | Mandatory for 5+ occupants |
| Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) | Annual | All gas appliances |
| EICR (Electrical) | Every 5 years | Or sooner if recommended |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Annual review | Written record required |
| Emergency Lighting Certificate | Annual | If fitted |
| Fire Alarm Certificate | Annual service | Grade D minimum |
| PAT Testing | Annual | All provided appliances |
| EPC | Every 10 years | Min. E rating required |
🚨 Fire Safety in HMOs
HMOs have the strictest fire safety requirements of any residential property:
- Interlinked smoke alarms in every room
- Heat detector in the kitchen
- CO alarm in every room with a combustion appliance
- Fire doors with intumescent strips and self-closers
- Emergency lighting in all escape routes
- Fire extinguishers on each floor
- Thumb turn locks on all escape doors
FE Maintenance installs and services all fire safety systems for HMO landlords across London.
Frequently Asked Questions
HMO landlords need: HMO licence, annual gas safety certificate, EICR every 5 years, annual fire risk assessment, fire alarm service certificate, emergency lighting certificate, EPC, and PAT testing for any provided appliances. FE Maintenance can provide all gas, electrical and fire certificates.
Annual HMO compliance costs typically include: gas safety cert (£60-120), EICR amortised (£30-60/year), fire alarm service (£100-200), PAT testing (£50-150), fire risk assessment (£150-300). Total: approximately £400-900 per year depending on property size.
Yes — all HMOs must have an adequate fire detection and alarm system. For most HMOs this means an interlinked Grade D system with smoke alarms in all rooms and corridors and a heat detector in the kitchen. FE Maintenance installs and services HMO fire alarm systems.
The EICR for an HMO must be carried out every 5 years or at every change of tenancy — whichever is sooner. For new HMOs, an EICR must be obtained within 28 days. Any C1 (danger present) or C2 faults must be remedied within 28 days.
Yes — FE Maintenance provides all the certificates HMO landlords need including gas safety, EICR, fire alarm installation and servicing, PAT testing, and emergency lighting. We can manage your annual compliance calendar so you never miss a renewal. Call 020 8445 1303.
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Gas Safe Reg. No. 587248 · info@femaintenance.com