Q. Why are WDC no longer requiring fire extinguishers in HMOs?

Because it has been determined that best practice now suggests that tenants should prioritise escaping from the property rather than attempting to fight a fire. Tenants should be made aware through your fire risk assessment that the priority should be to raise the alarm, escape from the property using the designated means of escape route(s) and call the fire brigade immediately.

Q. When will this change take effect? 

The change will take effect immediately.

Q. Will I receive a new licence with a new set of standard conditions?

Existing licences will continue to run with existing conditions until that expire naturally. The condition regarding fire extinguishers will no longer be enforced.

Any new licences or renewals issued will contain a revised set of licence conditions. The Private Sector Housing team will be writing to advise all licence holders/managers of some minor changes to standard licence conditions including the condition regarding fire extinguishers. The latest set of licence conditions will also be uploaded to the HMO licensing webpage: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/hmo

Q. What should I do with the fire extinguishers in my HMO property?

If the HMO is let on a single contract fixed term e.g. to a group of students, it may be preferable to remove any fire extinguishers at the end of the tenancy, unless you have permission of the tenants to remove them beforehand. If you do wish to remove them whilst tenants are still under an existing tenancy, you will need to communicate this to the tenants and ensure they are comfortable with it and consider asking them to sign a written agreement form for them to sign to consent to fire extinguishers being removed.

If your HMO is let on a room-only basis with differing fixed terms or running on periodic tenancies, it is suggested that you give each tenant written notification of your intention to remove any fire extinguishers on a designated date and time, advising them of the reasons.

If you have an HMO where insurance cover necessitates the provision of fire extinguishers, e.g. in a purpose-built student accommodation block, they you can continue to maintain the existing provision to ensure your insurance is not invalidated. In such cases, the Council may reasonably request to see service certificates for such appliances.

Q. What should I do with any fire extinguishers that I have removed from my HMO?

You are advised to contact the supplier/manufacturer for information. Most fire extinguishers are capable of being re-charged and re-used, otherwise they can be recycled (contact WCC recycling centre for advice).

Q. What about fire blankets?

Fire blankets are still required in every HMO kitchen. Fires associated with cookers are regarded as a lower level of risk because they are more likely to be spotted early before they develop. However, tenants should be given basic instructions of their use and are advised if there is any doubt, they should always prioritise exiting a property rather than attempting to fight a fire.

Q. What about fire extinguishers in single household properties?

The Council does not require fire extinguishers in properties occupied by singles, couples or families. Should you have fire extinguishers in such properties, you will wish to consider whether it is appropriate to maintain them and ensure your tenants understand how to use them and on what type of fire. The same principles should apply, and tenants made aware if in any doubt evacuate and call the fire brigade on 999.

If you have any queries not covered here, you can contact the team on privatesectorhousing@warwickdc.gov.uk