Fire Doors in a 4 Bed HMO (Joint Tenancy) — Are They Legally Required?

Are fire doors required in my 4-bedroom HMO?

Here’s a simple breakdown for landlords operating in Lincoln City Council area. This guide applies to 4-person HMOs on joint tenancy agreements — typical of student and young professional lets.

📢 Alarm Systems Matter

• Grade D1 interlinked smoke alarms are essential

• Heat alarm in kitchen is required

• Alarm systems do not replace the need for fire doors — they work together to provide time for escape

🛡️ Why Fit Fire Doors Even if Not Legally Enforced?

• It protects your tenants

• It protects your liability as a landlord

• Council may delay licensing or request upgrades later

• Fire doors may lower insurance premiums and claims risks

⚠️ Common Landlord Mistakes

• Thinking joint tenancies don’t require fire doors

• Using hollow-core internal doors

• Assuming alarms are enough without containment

• Not fitting a fire-resistant door to the kitchen

✉️ Need Help?

Speak to Lincoln City Council’s Private Housing Team or consult the LACORS fire safety guide. Or visit www.student-housing.co.uk/landlords for more compliance resources.