HMO Landlords: Keep Your Tenants Safe This Christmas with These Simple Steps

As we head into the festive season, landlords have an extra responsibility to keep their properties safe, particularly when it comes to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Christmas is a time for celebration, but it also brings increased risks, especially when it comes to fire hazards. According to Landlord Licensing & Defence, it’s important that HMO landlords take extra precautions during the holidays to ensure the safety of their tenants.

Why Safety Matters More During the Holidays

We all know that HMOs are already subject to a wide range of safety regulations, but these risks increase during Christmas when decorations and festivities come into play. Lights, candles, and overloaded sockets can quickly lead to dangerous situations if not managed correctly.

Phil Turtle, a health and safety expert, fire safety risk assessor, and co-founder of Landlord Licensing & Defence, suggests landlords should consider conducting a seasonal property inspection—and give at least 24 hours’ notice to tenants before doing so. This way, you can ensure all safety regulations are being adhered to and catch any potential hazards before they escalate.

What Decorations Are Safe for HMOs?

While Christmas trees and decorations can bring warmth and joy to communal areas, landlords must ensure they are placed with safety in mind. Here are some tips for keeping your tenants safe this season:

• Fire Safety First: Avoid placing decorations in hallways, landings, or stairways. These areas must remain fire sterile to comply with fire safety regulations.
• Don’t Block Exits: Christmas trees should never block fire doors, fire escape windows, or any emergency exit. This could prevent tenants from escaping in the event of a fire.
• Lights and Sockets: Ensure that Christmas lights are not draped over smoke or heat alarms. Overloading sockets with tree lights or heaters can also be dangerous, so encourage tenants to use only safe extension cords and avoid overloading.
• Candles Are a No-Go: Tealights and candles are a common Christmas decoration but can be extremely dangerous. If your tenants want to have candles, suggest battery-operated alternatives instead. These look festive but are much safer.

Cooking in Bedrooms: A Safety Hazard You Shouldn’t Ignore

One of the biggest risks during Christmas is tenants cooking in their bedrooms. While it may seem harmless, unless your HMO is specifically designed to accommodate cooking facilities in the rooms with appropriate fire alarms and other safety precautions, it should be strictly prohibited.

This is an important point to address, as cooking in rooms that aren’t designed for it could increase the risk of fire, electrical faults, and other accidents. Make sure your tenants understand that the kitchen is the only designated space for cooking.

What Happens If Regulations Are Ignored?

It’s crucial that HMO landlords stay on top of safety regulations year-round, but especially during the holiday season when risks increase. Failure to comply with HMO regulations can lead to hefty fines of up to £30,000. But during Christmas, the stakes are higher than just financial penalties. A fire or accident caused by neglecting safety could put lives at risk.

How to Stay Compliant and Keep Tenants Safe

By conducting a thorough seasonal inspection and reminding your tenants about the importance of fire safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of incidents during the festive season. Providing safe decorations and monitoring kitchen use will help create a festive yet safe environment for your tenants.

At Confidence Property, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of property management—especially when it comes to maintaining safety. If you need advice or assistance with ensuring your HMO is up to code this Christmas, contact us today.

Let’s make this festive season a safe and merry Christmas for all your tenants! 🎄🎉