Floor Mats Guide for Housing Associations and HMOs
by Richard O'Connor
Dec 11, 2025 | *6 minutes to readHousing associations, HMO landlords, and property managers oversee buildings where multiple residents share entrances, corridors, and communal facilities. These high-use areas experience significant foot traffic, frequent cleaning demands, and a constant responsibility to maintain safe conditions for all occupants. Choosing the right mats for housing associations and HMOs is therefore essential, not only for practicality and hygiene, but also to meet key safety obligations under UK housing regulations.
While no legislation specifies the exact type of floor mat required, landlords and managers must take reasonable steps to reduce risks such as slips, trips, and falls. This principle is central to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under the Housing Act 2004, which identifies hazards such as “falls on level surfaces” and “falls on stairs” as priority concerns.
In HMOs, the Management Regulations 2006 make it explicit that floors, staircases, and communal areas must be kept clean, sound, and free from obstructions. In practice, high-quality matting forms an important part of fulfilling these duties.
Below, we look at the most suitable types of matting for communal entrances, corridors, kitchens, and shared amenities, explaining the problems they solve and the safety features landlords should prioritise.
Entrance Areas: Managing Water, Dirt, and Footfall
The entrance lobby is the busiest part of any shared building. Residents and visitors bring in water, mud, and grit that can spread across hard flooring, creating slip hazards and increasing the workload for cleaning teams. Durable, well-fitted entrance matting is the first and most important line of defence.
The problem: High foot traffic quickly leads to dirty floors, moisture build-up, and slip risks, particularly during wet weather. Landlords must also consider wheelchair accessibility, meaning mats must be low-profile and easy to roll over. Traditional coir matting, while effective at scraping dirt, is often too rough and uneven for wheelchair users.
The solution: Use robust, commercial-grade entrance mats with strong scraping fibres, high absorbency, and anti-slip rubber backings. These types of mats are ideal for communal entrances, offering reliable performance in busy environments. For buildings that require wheelchair-friendly mats, look for options with a smooth, accessible surface that still absorb moisture effectively.
Where a matwell is already installed, selecting the right insert is crucial. The Matwell Mats collection includes DDA-compliant options suitable for accessible housing and local authority buildings.
Coir matting remains a good choice for certain buildings, especially older properties or those aiming for a traditional appearance. The Coir Matting range offers durable natural fibre options, but these should be avoided where wheelchair access is required.
Fire Safety: A Key Requirement for Social Housing
In many housing associations and HMOs, fire safety is a central management responsibility. While most commercial entrance mats are considered low risk, many local authorities and institutional landlords want reassurance that mats have been tested to specific standards.
The problem: Some low-cost mats may not meet fire safety expectations, which can be an issue in communal areas governed by strict housing safety policies.
The Dura-Plush is a Fire-Resistant door mat from First Mats
The solution: Choose independently tested, flame-retardant matting. These are a popular choice among housing associations due to their robust construction and certified flame-retardant properties, offering reassurance for high-occupancy buildings.
Corridors and Transitional Areas
Corridors in HMOs and apartment blocks experience frequent foot traffic from multiple occupants. These areas are often narrow, increasing the risk of trips or slips if mats move out of place or curl at the edges.
The problem: Loose or poorly chosen mats can become hazards themselves, particularly where residents carry items, move furniture, or access staircases.
The solution: Select mats with low-profile, bevelled edges and high-grip rubber backings to prevent movement. Mats in these zones should be durable, easy to clean, and designed to stay flat. While coir is attractive, its higher profile means DDA-compliant matwell inserts or accessible entrance mats are preferable for corridors and narrow walkways.
Communal Kitchens: Reducing Slips and Improving Cleanliness
Shared kitchens in HMOs and supported housing must tolerate heavy use throughout the day. Spills from sinks, kettles, and cooking can quickly create slip risks on vinyl or laminate floors, and landlords must take reasonable steps to reduce these hazards.
The problem: Moisture and food spills make floors slippery, increasing the risk of falls and elevating cleaning demands.
The solution: Use hard-wearing, absorbent mats that help manage spills and protect flooring. Mats with rubber backings prevent movement, while absorbent fibres help keep surfaces dry and hygienic. These are especially beneficial in buildings with frequent staff visits or support workers who rely on safe flooring conditions.
Communal Bathrooms and Shower Areas
Although bathrooms in HMOs are often smaller than those in leisure facilities, the risk profile is similar: wet floors, tiled surfaces, and regular use throughout the day.
The problem: Water accumulation and smooth floors create a high risk of slips — an area highlighted directly by HHSRS under “falls on the level.”
The solution: Use mats that dry quickly, grip the floor securely, and do not harbour moisture. Rubber-backed options with absorbent surfaces work well, though landlords should avoid thicker coir or decorative mats that retain water.
Legal Responsibilities and Best Practice
Although no legislation mandates the use of a specific mat, several regulatory frameworks require landlords and managers to reduce risks:
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): Identifies falls on level surfaces and stairs as key hazards. Using suitable matting is a recognised way of reducing these risks.
HMO Management Regulations 2006: Require that floors, staircases, and communal areas are kept clean, safe, and free of obstructions. Mats must therefore be secure, durable, and appropriate for the setting.
HSE Slips and Trips Guidance: Advises that flooring must remain safe even when contaminated. Good-quality entrance and kitchen matting is a practical method to meet this obligation, especially in buildings with regular staff or visitor access.
Fire Safety Standards: Many housing associations now specify flame-retardant mats for communal areas.
Choosing the Right Mats for Housing Associations and HMOs
Selecting the right HMO floor mats depends on the building layout, resident needs, and the flooring materials in place. Entrance areas benefit from durable, absorbent mats; matwells require fitted inserts; communal kitchens need spill-resistant options; and corridors call for low-profile, non-slip designs. Fire resistance and DDA compliance are also increasingly important considerations for modern housing providers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, we’re here to help
How long does delivery take?
Each product comes with a specified lead time for delivery. We'll keep you informed if there are any delays in meeting this timeline.
Typically, once you’ve finalised your order and approved the proof, it will take 4-5 business days to make and deliver your finished mat.
If my order is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
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If my custom mat is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.