As the summer holidays come to an end and students start to return to their universities or colleges, it’s important that landlords ensure their HMO properties are fire safe. This is because safeguarding your tenants is not only a moral duty—it’s a legal requirement. Fire extinguishers are vital safety devices and must be properly maintained, especially in HMOs where multiple households or shared facilities increase risk.
Regulatory context: Landlords must adhere to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which mandates that fire-fighting equipment (like extinguishers) is maintained in good working order.
HMOs and additional scrutiny: HMOs often fall under heightened safety obligations, including the need for fire risk assessments, annual servicing of fire extinguishers, and clear record-keeping.
Monthly visual checks: Landlords or managing agents should perform a cursory inspection—checking for pressure gauge, physical damage, and accessibility.
Annual professional service: A qualified fire safety engineer, like those from Hartson Fire, must fully service extinguishers once a year. This includes internal examinations, hydrostatic testing when needed, and replacing as necessary.
Record-keeping: Each extinguisher must display a service tag, and landlords must retain records of inspections, servicing, and any repairs.
Risk of missed faults: Laypersons may overlook critical internal issues or fail to spot pressure issues that a trained engineer would catch.
Insurance and liability: Poor or undocumented maintenance could void insurance claims in case of fire.
Compliance: Landlords are legally liable for ensuring accurate servicing—non-compliance can result in enforcement action or fines.
Choose a qualified service provider: Look for engineers certified under BS 5306 and a company that this BAFE registered.
Maintain clear schedules: Set reminders for monthly checks and annual services.
Communicate with tenants: Inform tenants of safety checks, location of extinguishers, and what to do in emergencies.
Keep documentation safe: Store service records alongside your property management files for evidence during landlord licensing audits or insurance inspections.
Hartson Fire has been a trusted partner of landlords and letting agents for many years, specialising in installing and servicing fire extinguishers across HMOs in Wales and the South West. Our team ensures full compliance with UK fire regulations—including BS 5306 standards—and offers tailored maintenance plans that suit the fast turnover often seen in shared-house setups.
Proper fire extinguisher maintenance isn’t just a legal box to tick—it protects lives, properties, and peace of mind. By partnering with reputable specialists like Hartson Fire, landlords can ensure their HMOs are safe, compliant, and well-protected. Call us on the number below to find out more:
