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HMO safety and inspections

We inspect all HMOs before issuing a licence to make sure that the house safe for the occupants. After our first inspection we will provide a schedule of improvements to be made before a licence can be issued.

Once you receive your schedule of works you will need to find a suitable contractor to carry out the changes or repairs. Notes for owners and contractors are available in our practice notes for means of escape in case of a fire. These should be read alongside your notice and licence schedules that came with your draft licence. If you fail to follow this guidance you may not be issued with a licence.

When your contractor is on site, or about to start work, they should contact the HMO Team by phoning 01792 635600 or emailing evh@swansea.gov.uk. You should also contact the team after one fire door and frame have been fitted to confirm that the door reaches the required standards.

Electrical safety

Any electrical works must be carried out by an electrician registered either with the NICEIC or ECA. Once work has been completed they must provide a test certificate.

The landlords guide to electrical safety (opens new window) from Electrical Safety First includes all of the information you need to make sure that your HMO meets the requirements for electrical safety.

Fire safety information for occupants

All occupants must be aware of the basic fire precaution measures. You can download our fire routines and display them in the property.

  1. Familiarise themselves with the main means of escape route.
  2. Main means of escape route is not to be used for storage or be obstructed in any way.
  3. Do not leave children alone especially in rooms with heating or cooking appliances. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
  4. Use of chip pans should be avoided if at all possible. However, if one is used never fill it more than a third full and never leave unattended with the heat on. In the event of it catching fire, turn the heat off and smother it with a fire blanket. Do NOT throw water on it.
  5. Keep an eye on the elderly and other vulnerable persons, particularly with regard to cigarettes, pipes and electric blankets.
  6. Do not smoke in bed. Make sure cigarette ends and pipes are properly put out before leaving them.
  7. Do not use, or allow the use of portable heaters, especially gas or paraffin heaters.
  8. Do not place laundry in front of fires to dry them.
  9. Before bed time:
  • switch off all electrical appliances
  • check for burning cigarettes or pipes
  • put a guard on any open fires
  • close the doors of all rooms: fire doors only work if they are closed.

If you are a tenant living in an HMO you should always try and resolve any problems with the landlord or manager first. They should deal with necessary repairs or maintenance and they also have to meet regulations about how the property is managed.

If your landlord or manager has not fixed the problem then you can contact us for help and advice. Depending on your problem we may inspect the property and could serve an enforcement notice on the landlord or manager.  This will require them to do the work within a certain time period.  

If you're a student you may also find that the Students' Union or Advice Centre may be able to help you, especially if your query is about your tenancy agreement. Make sure that you're happy with the property and the contents of your tenancy agreement before you sign.

If you live in an HMO then you should look after the property and anything provided for your safety, like fire alarms and extinguishers. Don't prop fire doors open and make sure you keep the place clean and tidy. Put your rubbish and recycling out on the correct days in the correct coloured bags.  

If your landlord or manager makes an appointment to come and check the property, make sure you keep it or let them know in plenty of time if you need to change the time or date. That's the same advice for any appointments that council officers make to come and inspect the property.

Practice notes for means of escape in case of a fire for HMOs

A guide for owners and contractors of private rented housing.
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