What is a house in multiple occupation?
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a house which fits into
any of the following types:
- An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants who
form 2 or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or
toilet.
- A house which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other
non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to 3 or more
tenants who form two or more households and who share kitchen,
bathroom or toilet facilities.
- A converted house which contains one or more flats which are
not wholly self contained (ie the flat does not contain within it a
kitchen, bathroom and toilet) and which is occupied by 3 or more
tenants who form two or more households.
- A building which is converted entirely into self-contained
flats if the conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991
Building Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let
on short-term tenancies.
In order to be an HMO the property must be used as the tenants’
only or main residence and it should be used solely or mainly to
house tenants. Properties let to students and migrant workers will
be treated as their only or main residence and the same will apply
to properties that are used as domestic refuges.
The Council has specific powers to use in HMOs to ensure they
are kept in good repair, there is no overcrowding, that sufficient
amenities are provided and that the property is properly
managed.
Follow this link to
see the regulations (new window) covering,
amongst other things, the type and number of amenities required in
an HMO (Schedule 3 of the regulations covers amenities). Although
these specifically refer to licensable HMOs, they also provide a
guide for the standards to be achieved in non-licensable HMOs.
HMOs will need to have the electrical installation and
appliances tested every five years. Gas and electrical installation
test certificates must be made available the Council within 7 days.
Follow this link to
see the regulations (new window).
Separate regulations apply to buildings converted entirely into
self contained flats (meeting the description above). Follow this
link to
see the regulations (new window).
Larger HMOs will require a licence to operate. Generally
speaking this will apply to any HMO of three or more storeys that
is occupied by 5 or more people in two or more households. Follow
this link for
more information about licensable HMOs.
Fire safety
HMOs have a much higher risk of fire than other properties. In
determining what works are necessary the Council will have regard
to the housing fire safety guide issued by LACORS, which you can
view by following the link below. This guide has been adopted by
all of the councils in Suffolk and replaces the previous protocol
for means of escape from HMOs. It is also applicable to single
family houses.
Follow this link for help with downloading and opening PDF
files.