Homes and property Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Fire safety protocol

Joint working with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

By law, both local housing and fire and rescue authorities must enforce reasonable fire safety provisions within multiple occupied housing.

To promote the efficient use of resources, the fire safety protocol sets down a framework within which both authorities can establish effective working arrangements, thereby achieving the goal of improving fire safety. 

The protocol contains guidance on which authority should normally take the lead inspection and enforcement role in different types of properties. However, it is accepted that this guidance cannot cover every possible situation and that certain properties may fall into more than one category. 

In general :

Fire Safety in residential premises is covered by the following pieces of legislation

  • Housing Act 2004 (Inc HHSRS) for all types of residential premises, the local authority has the powers to enforce under this piece of legislation;
  • Regulatory Reform Fire Safety) Order 2005 also applies to some properties where Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are the enforcing authority.  

Together with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service we have signed up to the National Protocol between Local Housing Authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities to improve fire safety.  

Read more about fire safety 

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