HMO standards booklet - Maidstone Borough Council
HMO standards booklet - Maidstone Borough Council
HMO standards booklet - Maidstone Borough Council
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Fire Precautions<br />
People who live in Houses in Multiple Occupation are at a<br />
greater risk of dying in a fire than those who live in a<br />
house occupied by a family.<br />
Fire safety is an important aspect of the <strong>Council</strong>’s<br />
involvement with <strong>HMO</strong>s. The <strong>Council</strong> requires landlords to<br />
improve the level of fire precautions if they do not meet<br />
an acceptable standard.<br />
All properties are assessed on an individual basis; please<br />
contact the <strong>Council</strong> to arrange a visit before you carry out<br />
any works. The <strong>Council</strong> consults with the Kent Fire and<br />
Rescue Service to determine the level of fire precautions<br />
and means of escape required.<br />
In general there should be:<br />
• A mains powered smoke detection system, the size and<br />
type will be dependant on the size and type of the <strong>HMO</strong>.<br />
• A fire blanket fixed to a wall in each kitchen.<br />
• A 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher fixed to a wall in each<br />
kitchen.<br />
• A non-key operated lock to all doors.<br />
In addition for larger properties we may require:<br />
• 30 minutes fire resistance to walls and ceilings.<br />
• Fire doors to the rooms off the staircase and landings.<br />
• Emergency lighting at all changes of direction and level.<br />
• 9 litre water fire extinguishers on each level of the property.<br />
April 2009 Page 9
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