The council has a duty to inspect Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Regulations state that it is the responsibility of the landlord of the HMO to ensure that the following are maintained in good repair and condition.
If properties do not meet the standard, the landlord or owner will be required to improve them.
What are the standards?
Water supply, drainage and general services
All water supplies and drainage in the house should be maintained, repaired, kept clean and protected against frost damage. Tanks and cisterns should be clean and covered. The landlord should not intentionally cut off the supply of water, gas or electricity.
Parts and installations in common use
The landlord should also ensure that common areas such as staircases, passageways, corridors and entrances are kept free from obstruction. All existing handrails and banisters should be in good repair and secure. If there are no handrails and banisters, they must be installed where necessary for the safety of the residents. All staircases should be sound and maintained in good condition.
The landlord must also keep in good repair all installations that serve any part of the house in common use. These are:
- Installations for the supply of gas and electricity (for providing lighting, space heating or heating water).
- Sanitary conveniences, baths, sinks, washbasins and installations for cooking or storing food.
- Post boxes provided.
- Any other installation.
Living accommodation
The internal structure of any part of the house occupied by a resident as their living accommodation should be in good repair. This includes the installations for supply of all utilities i.e. water, gas and electricity.
Lighting, windows and ventilation
This includes all windows and other means of ventilation. The landlord must ensure that all lighting serving common parts is fully functional. This includes lighting for staircases and entrances to the house which are used by residents.
Means of escape from fire
All means of escape from fire in the house and all apparatus, systems and other fire precaution equipment must be maintained and kept free from obstruction. The landlord must display signs indicating all means of escape from fire in the house. These must be placed in suitable positions in the house.
Outbuildings in common use
This includes all shared outbuildings, gardens, and yards that belong to the house. They should be maintained in a good clean condition. Any boundary walls, fences and railings must be in good repair. They must not be unsafe.
The landlord should also ensure that:
- Refuse and litter is not allowed to accumulate in the house. They must provide and maintain suitable refuse and litter bins, unless the council provides them. They are also responsible for disposing of any refuse not collected by the council.
- Reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the general safety of the residents of the house. This is with regard to the structural conditions of the house and to prevent access to any areas that are unsafe, including window sills that are at or near floor level.
- The name, address and telephone number of the managing agent or landlord of the house is displayed in the house.
- The council receives written notice of:
- The number of individuals and households within the house.
- The number of individuals in each household.
- What each room in the house is used for.
Duties of residents
It is the duty of all residents to ensure that the landlord can effectively carry out their duties. All residents must:
- Allow the landlord access to any occupied room, at all reasonable times, to carry out their duties.
- Provide any relevant information requested by the landlord.
- Comply with arrangements made by the landlord regarding fire precautions or litter storage and disposal.
- Take care not to hinder the landlord in the performance of their duties.
- Take reasonable care to avoid damaging anything that the landlord is under obligation to keep in good repair.
If you are interested in finding out more information please contact Environmental Health (Housing) on 01724 297431 or 297632.