Introduction
The following information may be of use if you are a landlord or tenant of residential rented property
The Housing Act 2004 governs housing conditions and standards in rented property. Certain types of high-risk rented property require a licence. The local housing authority enforces the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
In general terms an HMO is an entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants who form 2 or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. This includes bedsit type property. For a more detailed description of what constitutes an HMO or a household please see WYFRS Note For Guidance 27 - Houses In Multiple Occupation.
Licensing
Under the national mandatory licensing scheme an HMO must be licensed if it is a building consisting of three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more tenants in two or more households. However, HMOs which do not meet the licensing criteria must maintain adequate fire safety standards. Licensing is dealt with by the local housing authority.
Fire Service Role
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) applies to the common areas of HMOs (premises occupied as single private dwellings are not included).
This places legal duties on the landlord, managing agent or other responsible person, to assess the fire risk and take adequate fire safety measures to ensure the safety of relevant persons.
Further Information
Further information is available in the housing section of the DCLG website www.communities.gov.uk
Contact details of local HAs :-
Leeds - Tel 0113 2476248
Email - hmo.team@leeds.gov.uk
Wakefield - Tel 01977 722260
Email - HSG-PsectorEast@wakefield.gov.uk
Kirklees - 01484 221396
Email - housing.services@kirklees.gov.uk
Calderdale - 01422 392373
Email - environmental.health@calderdale.gov.uk
Contact Details
Group Manager - Houses in Multiple Occupation
Tel: 01274 655834
Policy / Procedure Documents
Houses In Multiple Occupation Policy
Housing Protocol
Page last updated 26/11/2008
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Accessibility | Access Keys | Search Site