Writing in Landlord Today, Phil Turtle, health and safety expert, fire safety risk assessor and co-founder at specialist landlord advisers Landlord Licensing & Defence, explains how landlords can ensure Christmas in HMOs is more ho ho ho than no no no.

The article can be seen here, and in summary says:

Christmas Safety Guide for HMO Landlords: Protecting Lives and Staying Compliant

The festive season brings joy but also heightened risks, particularly for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). With stringent regulations to ensure occupant safety, Christmas is a critical time for landlords to be extra vigilant. Here’s how to create a safe and festive environment for your tenants:

1. Conduct Seasonal Safety Inspections

• Notice for Inspections: Provide at least 24 hours’ notice before inspecting tenants’ personal spaces like bedrooms. Be transparent about the purpose of these inspections.
• No Notice Required: Inspections of common areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and stairways, can be conducted without prior notice.

2. Keep Halls Fire-Sterile

Decorations in hallways, landings, and stairways are strictly prohibited to prevent fire hazards and ensure escape routes are clear.

• Prohibited Items:
  • Lights draped around doors or bannisters.
  • Christmas trees or poinsettias outside rooms or in hallways.
  • Candles, including tealights.

3. Safe Use of Decorations in Communal Spaces

Festive décor is permitted in shared areas like lounges and dining rooms, but safety rules must be followed:

• Avoid blocking fire doors, escape windows, or exits.
• Keep decorations away from smoke alarms, heat detectors, and cooking appliances.
• Avoid overloading sockets with tree lights or heaters.
• Prohibit open flames, including candles and tealights, anywhere in the property.

4. Address Private Space Hazards

After notifying tenants of inspections, check for:

• Heated Devices: Ensure hair straighteners and similar tools are unplugged when not in use and placed on heat-proof mats.
• Cooking in Bedrooms: Prohibit all portable cooking devices unless bedrooms are specifically designed for such use with proper safety measures.
  • This includes air fryers, toasters, electric hobs, and grills.
  • Combustible equipment like camping cookers or barbecues must never be used indoors due to fire and carbon monoxide risks.

5. Ban Candles Completely

Candles, while festive, pose severe fire risks. Encourage tenants to use safer alternatives like battery-operated tealights or reed diffusers to create a seasonal atmosphere without the danger.

How to Be a Responsible (and Festive) Landlord

• Provide Safe Decorations: By supplying festive décor, you can ensure it’s placed correctly and adheres to safety standards.
• Offer Festive Alternatives: Gift tenants a basket of reed diffusers and battery-operated candles for safe seasonal cheer.

Compliance is Critical

Failure to follow HMO safety regulations can result in fines of up to £30,000. Worse still, non-compliance can lead to life-threatening consequences. By prioritising safety this Christmas, landlords can protect both their tenants and their business while spreading holiday cheer.