HMO's occupied by individuals

HMO kitchen facilities

Each rented unit within an HMO property shall have its own kitchen facilities. Where these are provided in a separate room, the kitchen should be lockable and both rooms should be on the same floor or not more than one floor away from each other.

Where the Council is satisfied that the provision of kitchen facilities for individual use is not practicable, shared kitchens should be provided on a ration of one kitchen per five individuals. This should be irrespective of age and each kitchen should not be more than one floor away from any individual user.

Kitchens shall be of sufficient size for their purpose and allow for the safe provision and use of the necessary facilities.

In determining the size of shared kitchens a space standard of 3m per individual using the kitchen is required.

For specific advice on your particular HMO property you shoul contact your local Borough Council. For advice on what may required by HMO mortgage lenders, please call Finance4 on 0800 019 9605

Facilites required for kitchens (not shared) within an HMO

Food Storage:

Refrigerators shall be provided with a minimum capacity at 0.08m

NB: If an electrical refrigerator is provided an electric socket shall be provided exclusively for that purpose complying with the current edition of the institute of Electrical Engineers Regulations (lEE).

Storage for dry goods shall also be provided; the minimum capacity being 0.11m Such storage may be located under any work surface or in a wall mounted cupboard. An under sink cupboard will not be acceptable for this purpose.

Food preparation:

A readily cleansable impervious surface shall be provided of minimum dimensions 600mm x 500mm, adequately supported at each corner. Any wall surface abutting the work surface shall be impervious and readily cleansable and a suitable seal must be provided between the surface and any wall. A 13 amp twin electric socket outlet shall be provided adjacent to the work surface in order that the electrical appliances can be readily used for food preparation.

Cooking:

Cookers shall be provided with two rings/hot plates as well as an oven and grill. Location on staircases, landings or in halls will not be accepted.

Sinks:

A sink must be provided together with a minimum of a single draining board. The sink must be provided with a constant supply of hot water and cold drinking water. The hot supply must be of sufficient temperature and rate of supply as will allow Normal domestic activities to be undertaken. When a sink combined with a single drainer is provided it would normally be expected that a suitable base unit would be provided to support it. A two-course tiled splash back shall be provided, with suitable sealant between sink and splash back. A wash hand basin shall not be used in place of a sink.

For specific advice on your particular HMO property you shoul contact your local Borough Council. For advice on what may required by HMO mortgage lenders, please call Finance4 on 0800 019 9605

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