Safety inspection - homes in multiple occupation

The Council inspects all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to ensure they comply with Management Regulations. If conditions in the properties inspected are not up to standard, the landlord or owner is required to improve them.

The Housing (Management of HMO) Regulations 1990 state that it shall be the responsibility of the manager of the HMO to ensure that the following are maintained in repair, clean condition and good order (including, where appropriate, proper working order):

Water Supply, Drainage and General Services

All means of water supply and drainage in the house are to be maintained, repaired, kept clean and be protected against frost damage.

Tanks and cisterns should be clean and covered.

The manager shall not unreasonably cause the supply of water, gas or electricity to be interrupted.

Parts and Installations in Common Use

The manager shall also ensure that common areas such as staircases, passageways, corridors and entrances are kept reasonably free from obstruction.

All handrails and banisters and any stair coverings should be kept repaired or replaced or be provided where necessary for the safety of the residents.

Included are installations that serve any part of the house in common use:

• installations for the supply of gas and electricity, for lighting and for space heating or heating water;
• sanitary conveniences, baths, sinks, washbasins and installations for cooking or storing food;
• receptacles or other installations provided in connection with the delivery to the house of postal packets;
• other installations (if any) in a kitchen, bathroom, lavatory or washroom which are not subject to any of the foregoing provisions of these Regulations.

Living Accommodation

The internal structure of any part of the house occupied by a resident as his living accommodation including the installations for supply of water, gas, electricity, and sanitation are in and remain in good repair.

Lighting, Windows and Ventilation

Includes all windows and other means of ventilation. The manager shall ensure that installations for lighting serving any part of the house in common use are readily available to residents, including lighting for staircases and entrances to the house, which are used by residents whether or not they are in common use.

Means of Escape from Fire

All means of escape from fire in the house and all apparatus, systems and other fire precaution equipment are to be maintained and kept free from obstruction. It shall be the responsibility of the manager to display in suitable positions in the house signs indicating all means of escape from fire in the house.

Outbuildings in Common Use

Includes all outbuildings, and outside areas which belong to the house and are in common use. They should be maintained in good clean condition, and any boundary walls, fences and railings should be kept in good repair so as not to constitute a danger to residents.

It is also required that the manager should ensure:

• That refuse and litter are not allowed to accumulate in the house, except when pending disposal, and he shall provide and maintain suitable refuse and litter bins, except where they are provided by the local authority. They are also responsible for the disposal of any refuse if the local authority fails to do so.
• That reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the general safety of the residents of the house with regard to the structural conditions of the house and to prevent access to any areas that are unsafe, including window sills that are at or near floor level.
• That the name, address and telephone number of the managing agent or landlord of the house is displayed in the house.
• That the local housing authority is provided with particulars requested by written notice with regard to the following:

1. the number of individuals and households accommodated within the house
2. the numbers of individuals in each household
3. the purpose for which each room in the house is used.

Duties of Residents

It is the duty of all residents of the property to ensure that the agent can effectively carry out his duties.

All residents must:

• allow the manager reasonable & appropriate access, at all reasonable times, to any occupied rooms so that landlord/manager/agent may carry out their duties
• provide the manager on request with any relevant information so that the landlord/manager/agent may carry out their duties effectively
• comply with arrangements made by the landlord/manager/agent in respect of fire precautions or litter storage and disposal
• take care not to hinder in any way the landlord/manager/agent in the performance of his lawful duties
• take reasonable care to avoid damaging anything which the landlord/manager/agent is under obligation to keep in good repair

To contact the Private Sector Housing team call 01622 602470 or email Private Sector Housing.