Housing Services - Houses in Multiple occupation

Private Sector Housing - Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Under the Housing Act 2004, if you let a property which meets one of the following definitions, it is a House in Multiple Occupation:

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
A house which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other non-self -contained accommodation and which is let to 3 or more tenants who form 2 or more housholds and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
A converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self contained (i.e. the flat does not contain within it a kitchen, bathroom and toilet) and which is occupied by 3 or more tenants who form two or more households.
A building which is converted entirely into self-contained flats, if the conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies.
In order to be an HMO the property must be used as the tenants' only or main residence and it should be used solely or mainly to house tenants. Properties let to students and migrant workers will be treated as their only or main residenceand the same will apply to properties which are used as domestic refuges.

These houses are often converted from single family homes.

Why are HMOs of particular concern to Local Authorities?

Nationally gathered information shows that people who live in HMOs are significantly more likely to experience health affecting problems linked to their accommodation. This includes incidents like fires, overcrowding etc. We are therefore keen to work with those responsible for these buildings to reduce these risks as far as practicable.

Licensing of HMOs

In the East Hampshire District, we are currently only operating a compulsory licensing scheme for 'High Risk' HMOs (for HMOs of 3 or more storeys, with 5 or more people, from 2 or more housholds). The process of licensing involves joint Housing Health and Safety (HHSRS) 'risk assessment' inspections with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services and the gathering and recording of relevant information relating to the building and its management.

With regard to 'Low Risk' HMOs we are carrying out a rolling programme of 'risk assessment' inspections.

Service Level Standards - What you can expect from us?

View our Service Level Standards for Houses of Multiple Occupation

If you want any further information on HMOs please contact a member of the Private Sector Housing Team on (01730) 234313 or alternatively e-mail PSHousing@easthants.gov.uk