Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are defined as properties occupied by three or more people across more than two households who share facilities like bathrooms. There are different tests to determine if a property qualifies as an HMO, including if it is a converted building. All HMOs, whether licensed or not, must comply with regulations regarding fire safety, maintenance, waste collection, and requiring a manager to ensure standards are met. The manager is responsible for various upkeep tasks and providing contact information, with failure to comply with regulations punishable by fines.

1. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Regulations

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• Several ‘tiers’ of HMO – some require
licensing, others do not
• All HMOs (whether licensed or not) must
comply to HMO regulations (The
Management of HMO (England)
regulations 2006)
• Properties may fall in and out of definition
depending on make up of tenants
Ignore this titleHMOs – Housing Act ‘04

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• Several ‘tests’ to establish if HMO:
• The standard test (regular self-contained
properties such as a semi or terrace)
• The self-contained flat test
• The converted building test
Ignore this titleHMO – Definition

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• Occupied by three or more people and
• Occupied by two or more households
• Two or more of the households share
toilet, personal washing facilities or
cooking facilities (or the
accommodation lacks one of these
amenities)
Ignore this titleStandard and self-contained flat test

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• Same as previous but no requirement to share
amenities
• Converted building definition is - The building
has been converted from a single property into
one or more units of accommodation (s.254(8)
HA ‘04)
• One or more of the units of accommodation are
not self-contained flats (whether or not it also
contains some units that are self-contained flats)
Ignore this titleConverted building test

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• All HMOs must have a manager who is
responsible for ensuring standards
• The ‘person managing’ the property includes
both the individual/s receiving the rent from the
property and any appointed agent or trustee
• Legislation sets out requirements but the fine
detail will be provided by local authority
(landlords should speak with local authority to
ensure compliance)
Ignore this titleHow to manage a HMO

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• Manager contact details on display
• Escape from fire and fire precautions maintained
• Steps are taken to protect occupants from injury
• Maintain water supply and drainage
• Annual gas safety check and electrical
installations check every 5 years
Ignore this title‘Manager’ requirements

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• Repair and keep clean all common parts and
installations, and ensure common parts have
adequate lighting
• Unit and furniture are clean at the start of the
tenancy
• Maintain internal structure and installations and
ensure that there is appropriate collection of waste
• Provide adequate waste and storage facilities and
ensure that there is appropriate collection of waste
Ignore this title‘Manager’ requirements cont.

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• Criminal offence not to comply with these
regulations (although there is a defence of
‘reasonable excuse’)
• Penalty on summary conviction being a fine not
exceeding £5000, or (in England only) the option
of a civil penalty not exceeding £30,000’
• Tenant must not hinder the manager in meeting
their obligations and must allow access at
reasonable times. Tenants must behave in a
‘tenant like manner’ to assist the manager
Ignore this titleNon compliance