Legal requirements for Landlords - HMO Legislation
If you rent your property to three or more unrelated people it will be classified as a House in Multiple Occupation and be subject to HMO legislation. That means you must have an HMO licence and will be guilty of an offence if you rent a property without it. To acquire an HMO licence you must typically comply with the following:
Facilities
- Toilet - one for every five people
- Bath or shower - one for every six people
- Washbasin - within or adjacent to each toilet
- Adequate heating, lighting and ventilation
Safety
- A mains operated fire alarm system must be installed
- All gas and electrical appliances must be maintained in a safe and satisfactory condition
- Any furniture must meet with the legal regulations on fire safety
- In some properties doors must be upgraded to fire door standards
- At least one fire blanket and fire extinguisher must be provided
- A fire risk assessment must be carried out and kept up to date
We can advise on how to bring your property to the required HMO and fire and safety standards and, using our approved contractors, arrange for the work to be done.
