Do foster parents and family members form a HMO?

[Guest PaulR]

Hi

I am a foster carer with my wife and I am looking to know if the house I rent falls under multiple occupancy. Myself and my wife foster 3 children , 2 are siblings and other isn't. Does this mean I need fire alarms in all bedrooms ? We class ourselves as a family even though we aren't all related. Kind regards
Paul

[Tom Sutton]

I do not believe it could be classed as a HMO and is a single domestic premises but does the council, who you work with, not have fire safety rules you need to abide by. Fire safety measures for a domestic dwelling is contained in the following document page 37.  http://www.cieh.org/policy/fire_safety_existing_housing.html 

[AnthonyB]

As you are legal Guardians and living as a single Household the situation is the same as if you were a normal parent & child family so you aren't a HMO - however your fostering agency or local authority may have their own requirements in addition to those in the Housing Act