Guidance for landlords on HMO standards

Security

  1. All ground floor and other accessible windows must have suitable locks or security measures. Keys must be readily available at all times. (See HMO fire precautions guidance for escape windows.)
  2. Front and rear doors must be of sound construction and well maintained.
  3. Front and rear access doors must have secure locks meeting British or equivalent European Standards.
    • Final exit doors must be openable from the inside without a key to allow escape in case of fire.
    • Rear doors must have a barrel bolt (minimum 200mm) unless fitted with a shoot bolt locking mechanism (3- or 5-point locking).
  4. Bedroom door locks must also be openable from the inside without a key to ensure fire escape.