Fire Risk Assessments in Bolton for Landlord and Managing Agent HMO Properties

(an overview of hazards)

When we conduct a fire risk assessment in Bolton and Greater Manchester for a landlord or managing agent, who owns an HMO or residential property, due consideration is always given to all relevant hazards. Whilst not an exhaustive list, the following categories are an example. This prompt list mirrors the recommendations which were originally cited in PAS 79-2 guidance.

1.     electrical faults, the fire hazard of which needs to be addressed by periodicinspection and testing of fixed electrical installations, portable appliance testing(e.g. of any portable electrical equipment supplied to tenants or in offices). This is why we always ask to see evidence of a completed Electrical Installation Condition Report which is a 5 yearly requirement. Prices for an EICR, which is a legal requirement start from £100. We would also ask to see evidence of PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing)

2. smoking, which, other than within residents’ own dwellings, is controlled under legislation, assisted by suitable signage;

3.   malicious ignition, the hazard of which can be addressed by suitable security ofthe building to prevent malicious ignition by outsiders (e.g. electronic access control in blocks of flats) and avoidance of unnecessary fire load in close proximity to the building;

4.  improper use of portable heaters, which, other than in residents’ own dwellings, oughtto be avoided as far as possible, and ought to be limited to appliances that are the least hazardous; We always recommend that where possible use of portable heaters is avoided.

5.    faults in fixed heating installations, which ought to be subject to regular maintenance;

6.  use of cooking appliances (e.g. in communal lounges and kitchens in sheltered housing),giving rise to the need for the availability of suitable fire extinguishing appliances,cleaning of any filters and ductwork in ventilation extract facilities that might be found inlarger kitchens, etc; We always recommend that where possible use of fat fryers is avoided.

7.     lightning, the hazard of which is addressed by lightning protection in taller buildings;

NOTE Relative to the other fire hazards described above, lightning is not asignificant cause of fire. As an example, in 2019–2020, lightning is known to havecaused only nine fires in dwellings (0.03% of all fires in dwellings in England).None of these fires occurred in blocks of flats, and none resulted in a fatality.

 8.     contractors’ operations, in respect of which there is a need for suitable contractconditions and site control, particularly in relation to “hot work”, involving cutting,welding, use of blowlamps, etc;

9.     poor housekeeping, necessitating control over combustible materials in common parts and suitable policies in relation to storage of mobility scooters and electric vehicles. Regular landlord or managing agent inspections can help alleviate this potential hazard.

Hazards are assessed in one section of a suitable fire risk assessment for HMOs and other residential properties. For further information or to get a quote for your property,