Safe Homes for Students
Purpose-built blocks and student HMOs
Student accommodation combines a sleeping risk with high occupancy, shared kitchens and residents who change every year. Many are living away from home for the first time, and some may not have English as a first language. Fire safety arrangements have to work for all of them, from the first week of term.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the common parts, and taller purpose-built blocks can fall within the Building Safety Act 2022 regime for higher-risk buildings. Student HMOs are also regulated by the local housing authority under the Housing Act 2004, and many providers follow the national codes of practice for student accommodation.
We assess the building as it is actually lived in, and give you practical recommendations that work with term dates, turnover and your management team.
Risks Specific to Student Living
Shared kitchens
Cooking is a leading cause of fires and false alarms in student buildings. Layout, detection and management all play a part.
False alarms
Frequent false alarms lead to complacency. We look at the causes and how to reduce them without weakening protection.
Tampering
Covered detectors, propped fire doors and disabled self-closers are common and need regular checks.
Annual turnover
A new intake every year means fire safety information and induction have to be repeated and easy to understand.
Batteries and electrics
E-bikes, e-scooters and overloaded sockets in bedrooms are a growing concern for operators.
Evacuation
An evacuation strategy that suits the building, with drills and arrangements for students who may need help to get out.
Taller Blocks
Many purpose-built blocks are 18 metres or more. In England that brings extra duties under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, such as a secure information box, wayfinding signage and monthly checks of firefighting equipment. It can also bring registration with the Building Safety Regulator and a safety case report.
Start of Term Support
We can schedule assessments and fire door inspections over the summer, so actions can be completed before students arrive, and help you prepare clear fire safety information for new residents.
Services for Student Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is purpose-built student accommodation a higher-risk building?
It can be. In England, an occupied building that is at least 18 metres high or has at least seven storeys, and contains at least two residential units, is a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022. We can confirm whether your building is in scope.
How can we reduce false fire alarms?
Start by finding out what is causing them. Cooking, steam from showers and aerosols are common culprits. Changes to detector types and positions, kitchen management and resident information can all help, without reducing the level of protection.
Do you assess smaller student HMOs?
Yes. We assess student HMOs with both the Fire Safety Order and the local authority's housing standards in mind.
Managing student accommodation?
Talk to us about scheduling assessments around the academic year.
Talk to Us About Student Accommodation Fire Safety
Tell us a little about your building and what you need. A consultant will come back to you with a clear scope and quote.