An introduction to homes in multiple occupancy
The council operates a Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) controlled registration scheme. This means an HMO will have to meet standards as a condition of registration.
The council is responsible for checking HMOs. This is to make sure they are in a satisfactory condition and are safe. It also ensures they have a satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens and have adequate space and proper management.
The scheme allows us to require minimum standards and properly monitor HMOs.
What is an HMO?
A house in multiple occupation is a house 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 and guesthouses
- Lodgings and shared houses
- Houses converted into self-contained flats
Exemptions
The following HMOs will not have to apply:
- House or flat with only two people
- Resident landlord plus two separate tenants
- Houses converted entirely into self-contained flats with building regulations approval, where at least one third are owner occupied
- Houses subject to control orders
- Registered social landlords (such as housing associations)
- Houses registered under the Children Act 1989, Registered Homes Act 1984
- Educational establishments
- Health service accommodation
- Local council owned property
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
- Facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, toilets and wash hand basins
- Overcrowding, with regard to the number and size of rooms
- General fitness for occupation
- Management standards
- Gas safety
- Furniture fire safety
More information - Safety Inspections.
Who needs to register?
The responsible person (i.e. the landlord, person having control or manager of an HMO) must apply to register the premises. They must also pay the appropriate fee.
It is an offence under the provisions of the Housing Act 1996 not to register an HMO.
Fair Rents Inspections
The council has no input into fair rents, other than what is a reasonable sum for housing benefit.
The actual rent is set by the government's rent officer.
For further information contact:
The Rent Service
Unit E
Aviator Court
Amy Johnson Way
York
YO30 4UZ
For more information on HMOs please email environmentalhealth.housing@northlincs.gov.uk.
Alternatively, contact Environmental Health (Housing) on 01724 297431.
More information
Related links