If an HMO has a basement with 2 bedsits, (and three upper stories), and one escape route, which is up the stairs, does it always need 30/60 minute fire protection? The difficulty is that there is little place to install a door at the top of the stairs, except right by the actual stairs. It will cause a problem whichever way it swings open. If it opens into the hallway, it could bang people. If if opens into the stairs, it could be a H & S hazard, as people could fall down the stairs as they open the door. The building has a full interlinked alarm system.

It is very difficult to understand your problem from your description it would need a survey or have detailed plans but there is usually a solution and maintain the 30/60 fire resistance. I would suggest you need the services of a fire risk assessor.