HMO housing general standards

These standards apply to all HMO premises

GENERAL HMO STANDARDS

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

These standards apply to all multiple occupancy premises

Space Standards Each category of HMO has its own standards. In general, consideration should always be given to the useable space in each room in determining whether it is suitable for occupation. In particular, the position of doors, windows and ceiling heights should be considered.

Toilets (WC5) At least 1 WC shall be provided per 5 individuals whatever their age. Each WC must be readily accessible and may not be more than one floor away from the people expected to use it. At least 1 WC should be separate from a bathroom or shower room.

The walls and floors of the WC must be able to be cleaned easily. The following minimum dimensions are given as a guide only:

Room with:

WC only:1300mm x 800mm

WC and hand basin:1800mm x 800mm

NOTE: i) outside WC5 will not be counted as part of this standard ii) a WC pan needs a space of 700mm x 400mm

Personal Washing:

Each rented unit shall be provided with a wash hand basin (WHB) with a supply of hot and cold water. If a sink is provided within the accommodation then a separate hand basin is not required. Where possible a WHB with constant hot and cold water shall be provided within each toilet. If it is not possible than a WHB should be provided in the nearest shared bathroom.

1 shower or bathroom shall be provided for every 5 persons whatever their age. The room should be private and no more than 1 floor away from the people expected to use it. The wall and floor surfaces should be able to be cleaned easily.

The following dimensions are given as a guide only. Doors, windows and head height must also be considered.

Shower: 900mm x 900mm

Bath:1700mm x 700mm

WHB: 600mm x 400mm

Room with:

Shower only: 900mm x 1600mm

Bath only: 1400mm x 1700mm

Shower & WHB: 2000mm x 900mm

Bath & WHB: 1700mm x 1600mm

Shower, WHB & WC:1900mm x 1700mm

Bath, WHB & WC: 2000mm x 1700mm

Power supply:

Each room within the HMO rented unit shall be provided with a minimum of 4 x 13 amp sockets. Additional sockets shall be provided for heaters, refrigerators, and kitchen use (all must comply with TEE Regulations).

Means of escape:

HMO regulations requirements will vary according to the type and use of the premises. In case of fire guidance will be based on the relevant Government circulars the Housing Act 2004 and in consultation with the London Fire and Emergency Defence Authority (LFEPA).

A three or more storey HMO can require half hour fire-resistant doors, automatic fire detection, emergency lighting, fire fighting equipment, and fire escape notices. See separate guidance sheet about Fire Precautions.

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

Management:

The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006

http://www.opsi.gov. uk/si/si2006/20060372. htm sets out certain requirements for HMO managers, every manager has a duty to ensure that the HMO property is properly managed:

• Duty to provide information to occupier

• Duty to take safety measures

• Duty to maintain water supply and drainage

• Duty to supply and maintain gas and electricity

• Duty to maintain common parts, fixtures, fittings and appliances

• Duty to maintain living accommodation

• Duty to provide waste disposal facilities

There are also duties on the occupiers of HMOs.

Gas and Electricity:

All gas cookers and fires must be safe to use. As a landlord youmust ensure that:

• Gas appliances are checked for safety at least once a year

• The safety check is carried out by a registered CORGI fitter

•The safety certificate is available to show to your tenants when they ask to see it

Electricity:

The wiring to the property should be checked and certified by a NICEIC — registered electrician. Any electrical work carried out must comply with the latest NICEIC regulations.

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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