Action relating to contravenes in a HMO are essentially enforced by two authorities. Principally by the Fire & Rescue Authority, and your local council. Fines, are usually imposed on offence of the regulation, and can also be an accumulation of offences. This can lead to court cases, convictions, and prison sentences, for the “responsible person”. Legislation places a legal obligation to ensure fire safety & management of your HMO’s is carried out by a ‘responsible person’. The Responsible Person refers to the person who has control of the premises in connection with “carrying of the business”, meaning, in the case of absentee landlords it may well be the managing agent. Failure to comply with the HMO management regulations can result in enforcement action being taken out against managing agents and landlords, or jointly. In terms of enforcement a notice may be served if the enforcing authority believes that the responsible person or any other person with duties under the RRO 2005 and/or Housing Act 2004, have failed to comply. A prohibition notice may be served if the enforcing authority believes that the use of the premises involves or will involve a risk to relevant persons that is so serious that such use should be prohibited or restricted. Failing to comply with the requirements of the RRO where the failure places people at risk of death or serious personal injury in case of fire or failing to comply with any requirement imposed by an enforcement notice is an offence and may result in a fine or even imprisonment. The penalty on summary conviction, for each separate offence, is a fine. In considering a prosecution for a breach of the management regulations, your city council will also consider whether to take action under Part 1 Housing Act 2004, such as: