HMO INSPECTIONS
We perform HMO inspections for private landlords and housing associations
What is a HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is defined by the Housing Act 2004 in Sections 254 and 257.
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At least 3 tenants living in the accommodation, forming more than 1 household. The facilities are shared, ie toilet, bathroom or kitchen with other tenants.
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A converted building that contains one or more units of living accommodation that do not consist of self-contained accommodation and is occupied by persons who do not form a single household.
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A converted block of flats where the standard of the conversion does not meet the relevant building standards and fewer than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied: this is known as a section 257 HMO.
HMO Regulations
Due to the high risk nature of HMO's additional regulations are applied to them. All HMO's are subject to HHSRS (Housing Health & Safety Rating System). The additional regulation which apply to HMO's are as follows:
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Management of HMO Regulations 2006 and 2007
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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
HMO Licensing
Depending on the local authority and the size of the HMO, they may be subject to the following types of licensing:
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Mandatory Licensing - HMO’s with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households.
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Additional licensing - Applies to certain Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that fall outside the scope of the mandatory HMO licensing scheme.
HMO Inspection Report
We undertake inspections of HMO’s for both private landlords and housing associations. Our comprehensive report written by a qualified environmental health practitioner contains the following:
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HHSRS Assessment of the property, Category 1 or 2 Hazards
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Fire Safety Issues
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Management of HMO Obligations
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Licensing Obligations
Please contact us to obtain a quote for your HMO inspection.