There are numerous types of residences in which people live in the United Kingdom. Some of these are what are known as houses in a multiple occupation (HMOs). These HMOs can either be houses or flats and are occupied by more than one household. They can also be hostels, bed-and-breakfast hotels, students residing in shared quarters, and houses split into separate bedsits.
Landlords of HMOs have a variety of legal obligations to their properties. For one, they are required to provide adequate measures to ensure fire safety. The property must not be overcrowded, instead abiding by occupancy standards. Additionally, the landlord must give sufficient cooking facilities as well as a place for washing. Any sort of shared facilities between tenants must be kept tidy as well as in good repair. Proper trash disposal must also be provided on the premises. These obligations help provide adequate facilities for people residing in HMOs. In the event that a tenant is experiencing problems getting their landlord to take care of these matters, the tenant does have some recourse. They may contact their local council’s environmental health department. Once this notification is made, the agency will evaluate your property according to The Housing Health Safety Rating System. If a property is deemed dangerous, then the council can then seek action against the landlord.
In certain situations, a house in multiple occupation must be registered by the landlord. In order for an HMO to be registered, the dwelling must be at least three stories high with five or more people residing in it. To receive registration, the property will be assessed by the council to determine eligibility for licensure. The council will want to see that the size of the property is adequate for the number of occupants. Also, the council will want to see that the property is managed well. If a landlord fails to register a property that should be, then they can be prosecuted. In these situations, tenants may also be eligible to apply to receive their rent back. Application must be made by the renter to the Residential Property Tribunal Service.
