HMO's

Question 1

Define HMO

Answer 1

Your home will probably be a house in multiple occupation’ (HMO) if:

3 or more unrelated people live there as at least
2 separate households

– for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room

the people living there share basic amenities - like a kitchen and/or bathroom.

Question 2

What extra responsibilities does the landlord of a shared house have?

Answer 2

With shared houses and flats that are classed as HMOs, the landlord has to make sure that:

proper fire safety measures are in place
annual gas safety checks are carried out
electrics are checked every 5 years
the property is not overcrowded
there are adequate cooking and washing facilities
communal areas and shared facilities are clean and in good repair
there are enough rubbish bins for everyone living in the house.

Question 3

Your landlord must have registered your home as an HMO, and have a license, with the council if:

Answer 3

it’s at least 3 stories high
5 or more unrelated people live in it as
2 or more separate households living there.

Classed as higher risk

Question 4

HMOs could include, give 4 examples

Answer 4

a hostel
a house split into separate bedsits
a house or flat share, where people have separate tenancy agreements
a bed and breakfast or hotel which is not just for holidays.

Question 5

List the HMO fire safety requirements

Answer 5

there should be smoke detectors in every bedroom and in communal areas, and the kitchen must have a heat detector
The fire warning system should be serviced and checked regularly.
Fire equipment such as extinguishers and fire blankets should be provided
There should be at least one fire extinguisher on each floor and a fire blanket in every shared kitchen
Any upholstered furnishings provided by your landlord should be fire resistant