HMO and fitness standards survey
the short answer
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is defined in section 345 of the Housing Act 1985 as:
"a house occupied by persons who do not form a single household"
Such properties range from houses where rooms are let individually through to large hostels and registered care homes.
HMOs fall under the Housing Act 1985 and are governed by Local Authority. Section 352 of the Housing Act requires each HMO to be fit for the number of occupants. Confusion very often arises as each Local Authority interprets the legislation differently and produces its own fitness standards as a way of enforcing the legislation. These fitness standards vary between different Authorities.
Fitness standards cover issues such as fire precautions, room sizes, and number and location of shared amenities.
If a landlord fails to meet the Local Authority required fitness standards for HMOs, the Authority has the powers to serve notice requiring immediate works to be executed.
We are able to negotiate with the Local Authority on behalf of our clients where a notice has been served.
We can provide specialist support and advice during development, maintenance and capital repair programmes.