After one rogue student landlord was fined £3000 for not having a HMO Licence, it’s important you know what qualifies as a HMO and what is expected of you, the landlord when it comes to regulating your student property.
Do I have an HMO?
HMO’s or Houses in Multiple Occupation are properties in which:
- Three or more unrelated (or two separate groups) live there.
- Communal places such as kitchens and bathrooms exist.
- Are at least 3 storeys high.
These are the guidelines as given by the government. But what does it mean specifically?
Point a) is talking about three people who are individually living in the same property, i.e. not married or living together as well as the two separate groups which while households in their own right, are not collectively one group.
Point b) is in regards to said independant tenants/groups who are sharing amenities communally for example, those living in a house share.
What do I need to do?
If you find your property falls under these categories then there are some extra responsibilities to reduce fire hazards and make sure your tenants have adequate facilities. So you need to make sure:
- There are proper fire safety measures in place. This includes smoke detectors in all bedrooms and heat sensors in communal areas.
- Gas safety checks are carried out each year (more information at the bottom of the page).
- Electrical appliances are checked roughly every 5 years.
- That the property isn't overcrowded.
- There are satisfactory cooking AND washing amenities.
- There are a suffient amount of rubbish bins available for tenants (an odd one, we know)
It’s also important to remember what is expected of you as a landlord in terms of repairs to the property. Of course, tenants are usually capable, and liable, of minor fixes in their living area (students aren’t all lacking in common sense) but you have to make sure you deal with:
- The structure and exterior of the house (walls, window frames and gutters etc.)
- Gas and water pipes.
- Electrical wiring
- Basins, baths, sinks and toilets.
- Fixed heaters (radiators) and water heaters (boilers).
While it can be slightly confusing (we’re still bemused about the bins too) and is another thing for you to sort out (and pay for)-it is a legal requirement! If you’re not sure whether your property falls under the HMO category then ask your local council.
HAndy Links & More information on HMo's
Shelter: HMO article