Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Council is responsible for checking Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to make sure they are in a satisfactory condition, are safe, have satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens, have adequate space and proper management.
What is an HMO?
An HMO is a house, which is occupied by people who do not form a single household. Examples include:
- A house let as individual bedsitting rooms
- A group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
- Hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
- Lodgings, and shared houses
- Houses converted into self-contained flats
What are the Standards?
An HMO will have to meet the Council's 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
Licensing of HMOs
Information about Licensing of HMOs