The 2004 Housing Act, introduces the licensing of
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It will be compulsory to
licence larger, higher risk HMOs. Councils will also be able to
licence other types of HMO to tackle problems in these smaller
properties.
What is an HMO?
HMO stands for House in Multiple Occupation,
Which means a building, or part of a building, such as a flat,
that:
- is occupied by more that one household and where
more than one household shares or lacks an amenity, such as a
bathroom, toilet of cooking facilities;
- Is occupied by more than one household and which
is a converted building but not entirely self contained flats,
(whether or not some amenities are shared or lacking);
- Is converted self-contained flats, but does not
meet as a minimum standard the requirements of the 1991 Building
Regulation, and at least one third of the flats are occupied under
short tenancies;
The building is occupied by more than one
household:
- as their only main residence;
- as their only main residence;
- as a refuge for people escaping domestic
violence;
- for other purposes prescribed by the
government.
A household is:
- families (including single people, couples and
same sex couples); other relationships, such as fostering, carers
and domestic staff.
What are the Standards?
A HMO will have to meet the following standards.
These standards include:
- means of escape in case of fire and other fire
precautions
- amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets
and wash hand basins
- overcrowding with regards to the number and
size of rooms
- general fitness for occupation
- management standards
- gas safety
- furniture fire safety
From the 6th April 2006 certain HMO's are
required to be licenced.
Find out more about HMO Licensing.
For further information:
- Contact: Housing Team, Mansion
House, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7YG
- Telephone: (01768) 817817
- Email:
housing.services@eden.gov.uk
- Fax: (01768) 890732
