Fire Risk Assessments in Durham for Landlords & Building Managers | Professional Fire Safety Services by Staines Safety Services
As a landlord or building manager in Durham, are you seeking a reliable fire risk assessment Durham provider to protect your tenants, properties, and compliance status? The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to non-domestic parts of buildings. Additionally, it imposes specific duties for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Therefore, professional assessments are key to safeguarding residents — especially in student-heavy areas like Durham City. This also helps you meet Durham County Council and fire service expectations.
Staines Safety Services specialises in fire safety risk assessments tailored for landlords and building managers across Durham City and Durham County. We serve student lets in the Viaduct area, Colliery housing in Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, and beyond.
We focus on HMOs, shared houses, bedsits, purpose-built student blocks, converted properties, and multi-occupancy buildings. Our service delivers clear, compliant reports that support licensing and ongoing safety.
Why Landlords & Building Managers in Durham Need Professional Fire Risk Assessments
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for common areas and non-domestic premises. For HMOs, Durham County Council licensing requires evidence of fire precautions. This includes a recorded fire risk assessment — particularly for common parts and higher-risk conversions.
Durham’s properties often feature historic student houses, converted Victorian terraces, and modern blocks with high occupancy. These settings introduce risks like shared kitchens, escape route limitations in older builds, electrical demands from student use, and seasonal peaks. Our experts address these Durham-specific issues to provide practical, defensible assessments.
The UK Government’s 5-Step Fire Risk Assessment Checklist
The UK Government outlines a simple 5-step process to guide responsible persons:
- Identify fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
- Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly
Read the full Government 5-step fire safety risk assessment checklist here: Fire safety risk assessment: 5-step checklist
This is a great starting point for basic properties. However, for HMOs, multi-storey conversions, or buildings with vulnerable residents, a qualified professional from Staines Safety Services ensures thorough coverage and documentation that satisfies inspectors.
Fire Safety Guidance for HMOs from Durham County Council
Durham County Council sets clear standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation, emphasising means of escape, fire detection, alarms, fire doors, and a written fire risk assessment. Furthermore, this is required for licensed HMOs and strongly recommended for others. Their dedicated guidance highlights elevated risks in certain HMO types and mandates appropriate precautions.
Access Durham County Council’s official Fire Safety Precautions for Houses in Multiple Occupation: Fire safety precautions for Houses in Multiple Occupation (PDF)
Additional standards for shared houses, bedsits, and hostels are available on the council site, covering fire precautionary facilities and management responsibilities.View more on Multiple occupancy homes and HMO standards: Multiple occupancy homes – Durham County Council
Our HMO-focused assessments align directly with these requirements, helping landlords meet licensing conditions, avoid enforcement, and demonstrate due diligence.
Why Choose Staines Safety Services for Durham Landlords & Building Managers?
- Durham specialists — experienced with student HMOs, historic conversions, and County Durham property types
- Qualified, insured assessors dedicated to landlord and multi-occupancy compliance
- Competitive, transparent fees — fixed prices with no hidden extras
- Detailed, photographic reports featuring prioritised actions, clear explanations, and evidence for licensing
- Landlord support — guidance on implementing fixes, tenant information, and review schedules
- Fast, flexible service — assessments typically completed in 7–10 working days to fit letting cycles
- Tailored for HMOs & shared properties — plus offices, retail units, and other managed buildings
Our Durham clients — from student accommodation providers to private landlords — value our straightforward advice and recommendations that balance safety, cost, and practicality.
Arrange Your Durham Fire Risk Assessment Today
Don’t risk non-compliance or tenant safety in Durham’s competitive rental market. Secure professional peace of mind with a fire risk assessment from Staines Safety Services.
Covering Durham City, Durham County, Chester-le-Street, Stanley, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, and surrounding areas.
Staines Safety Services – Your dedicated partner for compliant, effective fire safety solutions for landlords and building managers in Durham.
Protect your tenants and your investment — contact us now.