Why you may need a fire certificate for your premises
Some buildings need to have a fire certificate issued by the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, to prove they meet certain fire safety standards. From 1 January 2013, certain buildings defined as 'houses in multiple occupation' (HMOs) now need a certificate.
If you own or lease buildings occupied by a number of people who don't form a single household, your building may be classed as an HMO - so you'll need a fire certificate.
The details of the types of premises that need a fire certificate are set out in the Fire Precautions (Designated Premises) (Jersey) Regulations.
Buildings defined as an HMO
A building may be defined as an HMO if any of the following apply:
- if the building, or part of the building, is owned or leased and has been converted into flats or bedsits
- if more than five people live in the building and one or more of them sleep below the ground floor or above the first floor
- if more than 40 people live in the building on any floor
- if more than one of the flats / bedsits shares a toilet, bathroom or cooking facilities with another flat or bedsit
- if the building has been converted into a block of self-contained flats, of which fewer than two- thirds are owner-occupied
Help to decide if you need a fire certificate
Use the flow chart below to help you decide if your property is an HMO. If you're not sure, please contact the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service for advice.
Download the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) flow chart (size 48kb)
How to apply for a fire certificate for an HMO
If your property is an HMO, you need to apply for a fire certificate. Download and print the form below and return it to the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service.
Download an FPA1 application form (size 186kb)