What to do in case of disruption to an HMO?

Hi Everyone, with a number of shared properties, I am wondering what our legal obligations are for providing heating, lighting, gas, and electricity, etc., in the event of disruption, security alerts, or war.

I do not wish to be alarmist, but we are all being recommended to stock up with food, candles, etc but what about disruption to gas and electricity supply for HMO’s?

We are thinking of having portable solar panels with USB ports for our own use to enable phones, etc to be charged.

But what are our overall liabilities for providing for HMO residents in these situations?

Many thanks

Karen

Editor’s note: The HMO Management Regulations 2006 require managers to maintain shared facilities and fire precautions, and prohibit unreasonably causing interruptions to gas or electricity supplies. Crucially, regulation 11(b) says managers are not obliged to undertake action concerning utilities that is another party’s responsibility, beyond promptly bringing the problem to that party’s attention. This is particularly relevant where the fault lies with the external supply network.

These regulations do not impose a general requirement to install generators or solar panels to replace an interrupted public supply. However, landlords should check their tenancy obligations and HMO licence conditions. Existing safety duties remain relevant: government fire-safety guidance explains the requirements for fire alarms, emergency escape lighting where necessary, and regular testing and maintenance. A prolonged outage that compromises these systems needs prompt assessment by a competent fire-safety adviser.

For practical preparation, the government’s Prepare website recommends battery or wind-up torches rather than candles, portable phone power banks, drinking water, food requiring no cooking, and an emergency plan. These are preparedness recommendations, rather than an HMO-specific legal requirement to supply emergency kits.

Landlords can share this advice with residents, display emergency contacts and encourage eligible residents to join utility Priority Services Registers. Residents relying on powered medical equipment should agree a contingency plan with their care or equipment provider.