Rank: Forum user 
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Hi All,
I, along with most others in industry with whom I have discussed the above, am of the opinion the fire extinguishers should not be provided within the common parts of HMO's, residential properties where trained staff are not on hand. However, the Lacors guidance conflicts with this, in that it suggests that 'multi purpose' purpose extinguishers should be provided on the storey landings at both of the above types of property - whether staff are available or not.
I wondered whether anyone agrees with the Lacors guidance (in principle - I know that you need to do an individual risk assessment per site, but the general guidance in Lacors differs greatly from the other main guidance publications).
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Rank: Forum user 
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I would suggest that you consider - the risk assessment, the views of the local fire service and any insurers stipulations. These factors are more likely to have an influence on what you decide to do!
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Rank: Forum user
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Student Accommodation is regarded as being a HMO.
Extinguishers were only provided within each flat as those in communal areas were often subject to misuse.
Any misuse of extinguishers within a flat would incur a fine levied on the flat occupants
The local fire officer was happy with that arrangement and on fire precautions the LA deferred to the officers opinion.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I find this area of LACoRS contradicts itelf. Initially it states that extinguishres should not be provided (due to lack of training, malicious use, etc.); then goes on to say that they are recommended for common areas of HMO's.
Although possibly not strictly relevant, a later document published by The Local Government Group - Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats, written by C.S. Todd and Associates offers slightly different advice, which to me makes more sense. However, as previously mentioned, this does very much depend on insuranced requirements and possibly LA requirements (especially if the HMO is licenced):
67.1 It is not normally considered necessary to provide fire extinguishers or hose reels in the common parts of blocks of flats. Such equipment should only be used by those trained in its use. It is not considered appropriate or practicable for residents in a block of flats to receive such training.
67.2 In addition, if a fire occurs in a flat, the provision of fire extinguishing appliances in the common parts might encourage the occupants of the flat to enter the common parts to obtain an appliance and return to their flat to fight the fire. Such a procedure is inappropriate.
67.3 Any proposal for the provision of fire extinguishing appliances, or continued presence of existing equipment, should be based only on full justification of the proposal by a fire risk assessment. Where hose reels are currently provided in a block of flats, it is recommended that, subject to consultation with the fire and rescue service, they be removed.
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