Houses in Multiple Occupation

A 'house in multiple occupation’ is a house which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household (Housing Act 2004).

Such properties can include:

• Bedsits

• Properties converted into self contained flats before 1991

• Hostels, guest Houses, bed and breakfast establishments.

• HMOs are inspected to assess whether they comply with the Councils adopted standards.

These standards cover:

• Means of escape from fire

• Disrepair

• The provision of amenities

• Management of the properties

• Overcrowding

Please note our standards are currently under review and will be publicised soon.

All properties in multiple occupation are risk assessed, with the high risk HMOs inspected as a priority. HMOs can be identified from a number of sources e.g. customer service enquiries, planning applications, housing needs assessments and referrals from other organisations.

Owners have legal responsibilities to ensure their properties are up to standard. Tenants also have a responsibility under legislation to occupy the property in a reasonable manner and to cooperate with the owner manager by keeping the house safe and clean.

To book an inspection please contact Environmental Health on: 01493 846478

Licensing of HMOs

Certain HMOs require a statutory licence to be issued.  If the HMO is

• 3 storeys or more and

• is occupied by 5 or more persons in two or more households and

• there is sharing of some amenities such as toilets, bathrooms and kitchens

it will require a licence issued by the Council.

HMO Licensing Fees – April 2012

New Licenses

• House in Multiple Occupation Licence Application - Standard 5 Units of accommodation: £420.00

• Each Additional Unit of Accommodation at: £25.00

Renewal of HMO Licences:

• House in Multiple Occupation Renewal of Licence - Standard 5 Units of accommodation: £380.00

• Each Additional Unit of Accommodation at: £25.00

Variation of a Licence:

• Variation of existing licence (eg: change of HMO manager, change in occupancy levels): £100.00

Other Charges:

• Follow up costs (e.g. due to incomplete information, failure to respond to requests etc) to be charged at an extra cost at time actually spent.  Officer time per unit is £44.00 inclusive of administration and VAT.