About houses in multiple occupation

An HMO is a house, which is occupied by three or more 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.

We are responsible for checking HMOs to make sure they meet certain standards.

These include:

  • A means of escape in case of fire and other fire precautions.
  • Amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets and wash hand basins.
  • No overcrowding with regards to the number and size of rooms.
  • A general fitness for occupation.
  • The management standards gas safety.
  • furniture fire safety.

It must also comply with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 and the Housing Act 2004.