What standards must my HMO reach?
Amenity standards:
All HMOs (whether licensable or not) should meet these standards:
In summary:
- Kitchens - where practicable each household should have exclusive use of a kitchen. If its not practicable, up to five persons in three households may share.
- WC’s - where practicable each household should have exclusive use of a WC; if it’s not practicable, up to five persons may share.
- Baths / showers - where practicable each household should have exclusive use of a bath or shower; if it’s not practicable, up to five persons may share.
- Space standards limit the occupancy of individual rooms.
| Kitchens | 1 person households | 2 person households |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchens provided in rooms | 13 m2 | 17 m2 |
| Separate kitchens elsewhere in the HMO | 10.2 m2 | 14 m2 |
- Food storage, wash hand basins and space heating - are included in the standards.
Other standards
- All HMOs must comply with Regulations governing the repair and maintenance of safety measures, common parts, fixtures and fittings.
- The Housing Health and Safety Hazard Rating System (HHSRS) is used to measure other risks in HMOs - in particular repair and fire safety risks.
Full information on standards to be achieved in HMOs:
- Contact the Private Sector Housing Team, Residential Services - details opposite:
- Read the council's HMO standards
(PDF 76KB) - Visit Communities and Local Government web site
- Read our advice on the management of HMO's regulations (PDF 215KB)
- Read the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006 and the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 on the HMSO web site
- Read the council's HMO Fire Safety Guide. (PDF 133KB)
- Read the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority guidance
Email this pageLast modified by: Richard Simpson on 09/05/2008