Houses in Multiple Occupation
The local authority's requirements in respect
of Houses in Multiple Occupation are complex and dependant upon the
precise nature of the property in question and the way in which it
is occupied. Accordingly definitive details of what is needed
to ensure the health and safety of the occupants can only be
determined by inspection.
Mandatory Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation
(HMOs)
In 1997 Central Government committed itself to
providing greater protection for the health, safety and welfare of
the occupants of houses in multiple occupation.
HMOs are
often occupied by some of the most vulnerable people in
society. The resultant improved regime is contained within
the Housing Act 2004.
The 2004 Act defines HMOs as comprising houses,
hostels, self-contained flats, or other relevant buildings, that
are occupied by persons who do not form a single household, where
there is a degree of sharing of facilities, for example for
cooking, or where the housing lacks such facilities, or is not
self-contained.
As of 6 April 2006 certain types of
HMO,
regarded as being higher risk, have had to be licensed by
the local authority. These properties consist of three
storeys or more, have five or more occupants, living as two or
more households, with some degree of sharing of facilities.
There are substantial penalties, upon
conviction, for the owners of licensable HMOs who continue to
operate without a license.
The legislation allows for a one off fee to be
charged for the initial license, which will last for five
years. The current charge is £370 for a first property
and £340 for each and every subsequent property in the same
ownership.
Any queries concerning HMOs generally and
licensing in particular should be directed to Thomas
Best-Shaw, Senior Technical Officer, Private Sector
Housing Section (Housing Services) on 01233 330 339.
Request a safety inspection for Houses in
Multiple Occupation.