Emergency Lighting in HMOs

Emergency lighting is a common requirement in HMOs, because shared escape routes must remain usable if the normal lighting fails during an incident. It sits within the HMO's wider fire-safety duties.

Where it is needed

A fire risk assessment determines the extent, but emergency lighting is typically required on:

• communal escape routes — hallways, landings and stairs;
• near final exits and changes of level; and
• communal areas where occupants gather.

The standard and duty

Emergency lighting in HMOs is designed to BS 5266 and falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to the communal parts of HMOs. The landlord or managing agent, as the responsible person for those areas, must provide and maintain it.

Testing and records

The same regime applies as elsewhere: a brief monthly functional test and a full annual duration test, recorded in a logbook. For licensed HMOs, the local authority may set specific conditions.

Coordinating HMO safety

Because HMOs combine electrical, emergency-lighting and fire-alarm duties, managing them on one schedule keeps the building safe and the landlord demonstrably compliant.